a speech on motivation

The 24 Best Motivational Speeches Our Employees Have Ever Heard

Published: July 19, 2023

It was halftime during one of my 7th-grade football games. And we were losing 14 - 0. With our knees planted in the grass, my team was quietly huddled, drenched in sweat and defeat. Suddenly, it was game over.

That's when our assistant coach burst into our circle and shattered our pity party, delivering one of the best motivational speeches I've heard to this day.

I can't directly quote him because he said some inappropriate things for a blog post (and, in hindsight, probably for a bunch of 13-year-olds too).

The point is he harnessed the power of words to rejuvenate a physically and emotionally drained team. And we came back clawing to win the game.

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Motivational Speech

A motivational speech can come from anywhere or anyone, but it usually has a specific audience in mind.

Whether it's a graduation speech, an all-company meeting, a championship sporting event, or a conference keynote, these speeches are designed to change how their listeners see the challenges facing them in the future.

Like in sports, being motivated at work is crucial for your performance. This rings especially true when you have a looming deadline, an important meeting, or colleagues or customers depending on your performance.

Think about the last time you felt generally unmotivated. What brought you out of that feeling? Sometimes all it takes to get you going is a good night's sleep or witnessing the benefits of your labor.

Still, other times, you might listen to someone say something that resonates with you — that alters how you've been looking at a particular task or problem.

Motivational speeches and speakers can come in all different forms, but this is the one thing they have in common — resonance. They resonate with the right listener at the right time and in the right way.

Who knows, this article is doing some for you right now. (I can dream, can't I?)

We selected 24 of the best motivational speeches from business, sports, entertainment, and other fields to help you stay motivated no matter what your work throws at you. Watch these videos if you want to feel inspired by a project.

Trust me, I was wiping my eyes after I saw them. And while the messages vary from speech to speech, they can put you in the optimal frame of mind for tackling and crushing your next big challenge.

(Disclaimer: Some speeches may contain NSFW language.)

Elon Musk: "The Importance of Never Giving Up" (2020)

Angela Ahrendts: "Leading with Empathy" (2023)

Arianna Huffington: "The Power of Sleep" (2023)

Tim Cook: "Inclusion and Diversity" (2023)

J.K. Rowling: “The Fringe Benefits of Failure, and the Importance of Imagination” (2008)

Sheryl Sandberg: "Lean In" (2021)

Jim Carrey: Commencement Speech at Maharishi University of Management (2014)

Steve Jobs: "How to Live Before You Die" (2005)

Matthew McConaughey: "The Pursuit of Happiness" (2022)

Denzel Washington: "Fall Forward" (2011)

Vera Jones: “But the Blind Can Lead the Blind…” (2016)

Oprah Winfrey: "The Power of Self-Belief" (2020)

Charlie Day: Merrimack College Commencement Speech (2014)

Brené Brown: "The Power of Vulnerability" (2013)

Kobe Bryant: “The Path to Greatness" (2020)

David Foster Wallace: "This Is Water" (2005)

Carol Dweck: "The Growth Mindset" (2020)

Al Pacino: "Inch by Inch" (1999)

Satya Nadella: "Empowering Others" (2023)

Sylvester Stallone: Speech from Rocky Balboa (2006)

Will Smith: Speech from The Pursuit of Happyness (2006)

Mel Robbins: "The 5 Second Rule" (2020)

Angela Duckworth: "The Power of Grit" (2020)

Kurt Russell: “This is Your Time” (2004)

The Best Motivational Speeches of All Time

1. elon musk: "the importance of never giving up" (2020), theme of speech: perseverance and resilience.

Elon Musk's "The Importance of Never Giving Up" speech about perseverance and determination is decisive.

In this speech, Musk emphasizes failing and learning from failures as keys to success. He recounts his life and career, demonstrating how he overcame challenges.

One key takeaway from Musk's speech is his advice to adopt a growth mindset.

Musk encourages listeners to view setbacks as learning experiences. He also highlights the value of perseverance, persistence, and taking risks.

Elon Musk's word serves as an upbeat reminder that perseverance, patience, and the desire to attempt things repeatedly in the face of difficulty are essential for success.

"If something is important enough, even if the odds are against you, you should still do it."

2. Angela Ahrendts: "Leading with Empathy" (2023)

Theme of the speech: empathetic leadership....

The "Leading with Empathy" talk by Angela Ahrendts emphasizes the importance of emotional intelligence and compassion in leadership.

According to Ahrendts, leaders must view their employees as whole people with lives outside of work. Leaders can instill trust, respect, and mutual support in their employees and organizations.

Ahrendts emphasizes the importance of team mission as well. Leaders can inspire their teams by connecting them to a greater goal.

She believes that working together fosters creativity, innovation, and growth.

"Leading with Empathy" is a powerful reminder that leadership requires more than technical knowledge. To truly inspire and motivate their employees, leaders must understand their emotional needs and create a supportive, inclusive environment.

"Empathy is the glue that holds relationships together, whether they are personal or professional."

3. Arianna Huffington: "The Power of Sleep" (2023)

Theme of the speech: sleep and productivity.

The Huffington Post's founder, Arianna Huffington, emphasized the importance of sleep to overall health. In her 2023 speech, "The Power of Sleep," she discusses how sleep deprivation affects our health, productivity, and happiness.

Huffington observes that we have been taught to sacrifice sleep for success. She also mentions that well-rested employees are more creative, efficient, and effective.

To address these issues, Huffington proposes a cultural shift that recognizes sleep as essential to health and wellness.

She advises individuals and organizations to prioritize sleep, avoid technology before bedtime, and create a restful sleep environment. Sleep, according to Huffington, is a necessity, not a luxury.

By recognizing the importance of sleep, people and businesses can enhance their health, productivity, and general well-being.

Arianna Huffington's "The Power of Sleep" speech in 2023 emphasizes the importance of sleep and the dangers of sleep deprivation.

It promotes a culture where getting enough sleep is essential for health and well-being.

"Sleep is the Swiss Army knife of health, it does everything."

4. Tim Cook: "Inclusion and Diversity" (2023)

Theme of the speech: inclusion and diversity.

Apple CEO Tim Cook advocates for inclusion and diversity. He has been instrumental in the company's initiatives to advance fairness and equality inside its ranks and across the technology sector.

Cook has prioritized diversity and inclusion at Apple because he believes it is proper and necessary for innovation and business success.

Unconscious bias training, diverse recruitment, and employee resource groups contributed to his success.

Outside of Apple, Cook has advocated for LGBTQ+ rights and immigration reform. He has raised awareness of these issues and advocated for social change as a business leader.

Tech leaders and others have lauded Cook's commitment to diversity and inclusion. He has raised awareness of these issues, leading to significant change at Apple and elsewhere.

"Inclusion and diversity are not just buzzwords, they are fundamental values that drive innovation and creativity."

5. J.K. Rowling: “The Fringe Benefits of Failure, and the Importance of Imagination” (2008)

Theme of speech: failure.

In J.K. Rowling's 2008 Harvard commencement speech, the Harry Potter author explored how two phenomena -- failure and imagination -- can be crucial to success.

While failure can help you understand where your true passion lies, and where you should focus your energy moving forward, imagination is what will allow you to empathize with other people so you can use your influence to do good.

“We do not need magic to change the world, we carry all the power we need inside ourselves already: we have the power to imagine better.”

"You have to understand your own personal DNA. Don't do things because I do them or Steve Jobs or Mark Cuban tried it. You need to know your personal brand and stay true to it."

6. Sheryl Sandberg: "Lean In" (2021)

Theme of the speech: gender equality and leadership.

Sheryl Sandberg's 2021 talk, "Lean In," encourages women to lean into their careers and leadership roles. She urges women to stand up for one another and themselves to overcome societal and cultural hurdles.

Sandberg highlights the need to have distinct objectives and goals and be prepared to take calculated risks to achieve them.

She also underlines how crucial it is for more female leaders to advance diversity and gender equality across all industries.

Sandberg's speech also emphasizes collaboration. She urges women to mentor other women and look for sponsors and mentors themselves.

The "Lean In" talk by Sheryl Sandberg emphasizes women's voices and perspectives in all aspects of society.

To remove barriers and foster more inclusive and varied workplaces and communities, Sandberg urges women to pursue their professional ambitions with confidence and with the help of their communities.

"We need women at all levels, including the top, to change the dynamic, reshape the conversation, to make sure women's voices are heard and heeded, not overlooked and ignored."

7. Jim Carrey: Commencement Speech at Maharishi University of Management (2014)

Theme of speech: taking risks.

Jim Carrey might make a living as the goofiest comedian around, but in 2014, he combined classic Carrey humor with unforgettable insight at Maharishi University of Management's graduation ceremony.

Jim Carrey opened his speech dishing punchlines, but he eventually opened up about his upbringing and the role fear plays in our lives. You can actually hear the amazement in the students' reactions in the video above.

“I learned many great lessons from my father -- not the least of which is that you can fail at what you don't want, so you might as well take a chance on doing what you love.”

8. Steve Jobs: "How to Live Before You Die" (2005)

Theme of speech: life and career.

Considering the YouTube video of Steve Jobs' 2005 Stanford commencement speech has 24 million views, it's likely that you've seen this one already.

In the speech, Jobs plays on two themes: connecting the dots (anecdote: how taking a calligraphy class helped inspire the design of the Mac) and love & loss (anecdote: how getting fired from Apple helped inspire his greatest innovations).

Perhaps the most memorable part his speech comes at the end, when he quotes the (now-famous) lines from the final issue of his favorite publication, The Whole Earth Catalog:

“Stay hungry. Stay foolish.”

9. Matthew McConaughey: "The Pursuit of Happiness" (2022)

Theme of the speech: discovering true happiness and fulfillment in life..

In "The Pursuit of Happiness," famed actor and motivational speaker Matthew McConaughey provides his enlightened viewpoint on obtaining true happiness and fulfillment.

McConaughey presents a genuine and approachable study of what it means to live a fulfilling life through sincere storytelling and personal anecdotes.

The speech discusses the significance of authenticity and remaining true to oneself. McConaughey encourages people to define their success rather than succumb to social pressures or external expectations.

He stresses aligning our behaviors and decisions with our fundamental values and passions.

McConaughey expresses his conviction in the power of thankfulness and the importance of living in the present moment. He encourages people to create a grateful mindset, recognizing the blessings and possibilities surrounding them.

By appreciating the present and finding joy in the journey, individuals can experience more profound happiness and fulfillment.

"Happiness is not a destination. It's a state of mind, a journey, and a choice we make every day."

10. Denzel Washington: "Fall Forward" (2011)

In his 2011 UPenn commencement speech, Denzel Washington highlighted three reasons why we need to embrace failure in order to be successful. First, everybody will fail at something at some point, so you better get used to it.

Second, if you never fail, take that as a sign that you're not really trying. And third, at the end of the day, failure will help you figure out what path you want to be on.

“Fall forward. Here's what I mean: Reggie Jackson struck out twenty-six-hundred times in his career — the most in the history of baseball. But you don't hear about the strikeouts. People remember the home runs.

Fall forward.

Thomas Edison conducted 1,000 failed experiments. Did you know that? I didn't know that—because #1,001 was the light bulb. Fall forward. Every failed experiment is one step closer to success.”

11. Vera Jones: “But the Blind Can Lead the Blind…” (2016)

Theme of speech: perseverance.

Last year at INBOUND, Vera Jones told a moving story about the life lessons she's learned from raising her blind son.

She explains how having faith in your future and letting it lead you toward your true purpose will help you overcome blinding obstacles.

She also discusses how following your passion and trusting your vision develops empathy, which is a critical leadership skill.

“Passionately play your position no matter how bad things get. You are significant. Why we are here is not for our own glory. Ultimately, we're here to lead and serve everybody else. By doing that, we encourage others to do the same.”

12. Oprah Winfrey: "The Power of Self-Belief" (2020)

Theme of Speech: Self-Belief and Confidence

Oprah Winfrey's 2020 speech "The Power of Self-Belief" emphasized the importance of self-assurance. She attributed her success to her unwavering self-assurance.

According to Oprah, self-belief is not about being arrogant or overconfident. She stresses the significance of overcoming self-doubt and fear, which can prevent people from reaching their goals.

Oprah used personal stories to demonstrate how self-confidence has aided her in life and work. She encouraged her audience to believe in themselves and to embrace their inner strength.

The Power of Self-Belief" reminded us how important it is to have faith in ourselves and our ability to succeed.

"The biggest adventure you can ever take is to live the life of your dreams."

13. Charlie Day: Merrimack College Commencement Speech (2014)

Best known for his role in the sitcom It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia, actor Charlie Day had lots of wisdom to share during the 2014 commencement speech at his alma mater, Merrimack College.

Day explained to the audience how college degrees are inherently valueless, since you can't trade them in for cash. Instead, it's you, your hard work, and the risks you take that provide real value in life.

“You cannot let a fear of failure or a fear of comparison or a fear of judgment stop you from doing the things that will make you great. You cannot succeed without the risk of failure.

You cannot have a voice without the risk of criticism. You cannot love without the risk of loss. You must take these risks.”

14. Brené Brown: "The Power of Vulnerability" (2013)

The video above is an animated excerpt from researcher Brené Brown's speech, " The Power of Vulnerability ." In the speech, Brown explores how our fear of not being good enough (among other fears) drives us to shield ourselves from our own vulnerabilities.

The alternative to wearing this emotional suit of armor: Embrace vulnerability through empathizing with others.

"Empathy is a choice, and it's a vulnerable choice. Because in order to connect with you, I have to connect with something in myself that knows that feeling."

15. Kobe Bryant: “The Path to Greatness" (2020)

Theme of the speech: embracing dedication, perseverance, and a relentless pursuit of greatness..

Bryant emphasizes setting ambitious goals and working tirelessly to achieve them. Through captivating storytelling and personal anecdotes, he reveals the sacrifices and relentless effort required to excel at the highest level.

Bryant's speech is a testament to the power of hard work, discipline, and a growth mindset in attaining greatness.

The speech also explores embracing failure as a stepping stone to success. Bryant shares how setbacks and challenges can fuel personal growth and resilience.

He encourages individuals to embrace failure, learn from it, and use it as motivation to push beyond their limits.

Bryant's speech goes beyond the realm of sports, offering valuable insights and life lessons applicable to all areas of life.

His relentless pursuit of greatness and unwavering commitment to excellence inspires individuals striving to achieve their goals and dreams.

"I have self-doubt. I have insecurity. I have fear of failure. I have nights when I show up at the arena and I'm like, 'My back hurts, my feet hurt, my knees hurt. I don't have it. I just want to chill.'

We all have self-doubt. You don't deny it, but you also don't capitulate to it. You embrace it."

16. David Foster Wallace: "This Is Water" (2005)

From the opening minutes of David Foster Wallace's 2005 Kenyon College commencement speech , in which he questions commencement speech conventions, it's clear that Wallace has some serious wisdom to share.

The crux of his speech: Many of us are oblivious to our own close-mindedness. We picture ourselves as the centers of our own, individual universes, instead of seeing the bigger, more interconnected picture.

“If you're automatically sure that you know what reality is and who and what is really important, if you want to operate on your default setting, then you, like me, probably won't consider possibilities that aren't annoying and miserable.

But if you've really learned how to think, how to pay attention, then you'll know you have other options.

It will actually be within your power to experience a crowded, hot, slow, consumer hell-type situation as not only meaningful, but sacred — on fire with the same force that lit the stars: love, fellowship, the mystical oneness of all things deep down.”

17. Carol Dweck: "The Growth Mindset" (2020)

Theme of the speech: cultivating a growth mindset for personal and professional development..

In "The Growth Mindset," Carol Dweck, a renowned psychologist, and author, delivers an enlightening speech on the power of adopting a growth mindset for personal and professional growth.

Dweck's extensive research on mindset and achievement provides the foundation for her impactful message.

Dweck explains the difference between a fixed mindset, where individuals believe their abilities are fixed traits, and a growth mindset, where individuals believe their abilities can be developed through effort and learning.

She demonstrates how a growth mindset fosters resilience, learning, and innovation through relatable stories and compelling examples.

Dweck's speech resonates with individuals seeking personal and professional development, as she provides insights into how adopting a growth mindset can positively impact all areas of life.

Her research-based approach and engaging speaking style make "The Growth Mindset" an inspiring resource for individuals striving for continuous growth and improvement.

"The passion for stretching yourself and sticking to it, even when it's not going well, is the hallmark of the growth mindset."

Famous Short Speeches With Inspirational Takeaways

18. al pacino: "inch by inch" (1999), theme of speech: teamwork.

Yes, this speech is from a football movie (Any Given Sunday), but trust me: This isn't your stereotypical rah-rah-go-get-'em sports speech. It's deeper than that. It's about life, and loss, and ... gosh darn it just listen to Al Pacino.

He's pouring his soul out!

“Either we heal as a team or we're gonna crumble, inch by inch, play by play, till we're finished. We're in hell right now, gentlemen, believe me.

And we can stay here and get the $&#@ kicked out of us, or we can fight our way back into the light. We can climb out of hell, one inch at a time.”

19. Satya Nadella: "Empowering Others" (2023)

Theme of the Speech: Empowerment and Collaboration

Satya Nadella's 2023 lecture, "Empowering Others," emphasizes the importance of leadership that empowers others rather than focusing on personal success.

He emphasizes the importance of leaders cultivating a culture of inclusion and belonging in which everyone feels respected and able to accomplish their best work.

Nadella also discusses the significance of technology in positive development. Some of society's most important issues may be resolved by technology, but proper development and application are required.

According to Nadella, empathy and emotional intelligence are essential for outstanding leadership. He suggests that Leaders listen to and understand. their team members' needs and motivations.

Leaders can develop a culture of trust and collaboration that will help the team flourish.

Satya Nadella's "Empowering Others" provides a special message about leadership in the current day. By emphasizing diversity, empathy, and responsible innovation, Nadella encourages audiences to strive for excellence while being mindful of their impact on others and the world.

"Success is not just about what we achieve individually, but what we enable others to achieve."

20. Sylvester Stallone: Speech from Rocky Balboa (2006)

Theme of speech: never give up.

I had to put this one next since it plays along the same themes as Denzel Washington's UPenn speech. In the scene above, from the 2006 film Rocky Balboa, the title character (played by Sylvester Stallone) is having a heart-to-heart with his son.

The advice he gives him: Don't let your failures or the adversity you face slow you down. Keep. Moving. Forward.

“Let me tell you something you already know. The world ain't all sunshine and rainbows. It's a very mean and nasty place, and I don't care how tough you are, it will beat you to your knees and keep you there permanently if you let it.

You, me, or nobody is gonna hit as hard as life. But it ain't about how hard you hit. It's about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward. How much you can take and keep moving forward. That's how winning is done!”

21. Will Smith: Speech from The Pursuit of Happyness (2006)

Theme of speech: don’t let them bring you down.

Here's another speech from the big screen, this time from the 2006 film The Pursuit of Happyness.

In the scene above, Will Smith's character explains to his son why he shouldn't pursue basketball (because he'll end up being "below average") before having a major change of heart.

“Don't ever let somebody tell you ... you can't do something. Not even me. All right? You got a dream. You gotta protect it. People can't do something themselves, they want to tell you can't do it. If you want something, go get it. Period.”

22. Mel Robbins: "The 5 Second Rule" (2020)

Theme of the Speech: Action and Overcoming Self-Doubt

The "The 5 Second Rule" speech by Mel Robbins promotes action to achieve goals and overcome concerns and doubts.

When confronted with a decision or action that needs to be completed but you are hesitating or procrastinating, countdown from 5, and then act. According to Robbins, this method breaks habit loops that keep us unhealthy.

Counting down and taking action may assist us in overcoming uncertainty and self-doubt and moving toward our objectives. For success, Robbins also promotes mentality and self-talk.

She believes that to realize our potential, we must consciously reframe negative thoughts and limiting beliefs.

Mel Robbins' presentation "The 5 Second Rule" is a practical and efficient technique to overcome procrastination and achieve goals.

Robbins inspires listeners to take command of their lives and achieve by emphasizing attitude, self-talk, and positive actions.

"You are never going to feel like doing the things that are tough, difficult, or uncertain, but you have a choice."

23. Angela Duckworth: "The Power of Grit" (2020)

Theme of the Speech: Spirit and Perseverance

Angela Duckworth examines the significance of perseverance and resilience in achievement in her book "The Power of Grit." According to Duckworth, grit—passion and determination—is essential for long-term success and overcoming obstacles.

Duckworth addresses grit and mentality, believing that people who view challenges and setbacks as opportunities for growth rather than threats will develop resilience and determination over time.

She advocates for a growth mindset, which believes people can acquire intelligence and other qualities through hard work. Duckworth places a premium on rigorous practice to achieve skill and mastery.

She recommends soliciting feedback, setting challenging goals, and intentionally improving abilities and succeeding. Angela Duckworth's "The Power of Grit" illuminates long-term achievement.

Duckworth emphasizes attitude, focused practice, and resilience to urge listeners to acquire grit and pursue their passions with tenacity.

"Grit is passion and perseverance for very long-term goals. Grit is having stamina. Grit is sticking with your future, day in, day out, not just for the week, not just for the month, but for years, and working really hard to make that future a reality."

24. Kurt Russell: “This is Your Time” (2004)

Theme of speech: inspiring and believing in your team.

The Miracle on Ice is still considered the biggest upset in Olympic hockey history. And for good reason. The Soviet Union won six of the last seven Olympic gold medals, and the U.S. team consisted only of amateur players.

It was obvious the Soviets were better. But, in the movie Miracle, which told the incredible story of the 1980 U.S. Olympic Hockey Team, Kurt Russell's character — Coach Herb Brooks — knew that this game was different.

The U.S. was better than the Soviets that day. And his speech conveyed such a strong belief in his team that they pulled off one of the greatest sports moments of the 20th century.

“If we played 'em ten times, they might win nine. But not this game… Not tonight. Tonight, we skate with them. Tonight, we stay with them. And we shut them down because we can!

Tonight, WE are the greatest hockey team in the world. You were born to be hockey players, every one of you. And you were meant to be here tonight. This is your time.”

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16 Most Life-Changing Motivational Speeches & What You’ll Gain from Them

It’s all very well reading about ways to get ahead in life, but no account will ever reach you in quite the same way as hearing someone speak about their own experiences. While these people may be household names now, it wasn’t always that way, and this collection of some of the best motivational speeches will move you and inspire you to make your own dreams come true.

From Arnold Schwarzenneger talking about how he filled every moment of every day with steps to fulfil his ambition of becoming Mr. Universe, to J.K. Rowling’s life as an impoverished single mother, these speeches will fill you with the drive and determination to reach your full potential, and not let anything stand in your way.

Some are long, and some last just a few minutes, but each one will make you want to grab life with both hands and go for what you want, whatever it is.

“Most people have done all that they’re ever going to do – they raise a family, they earn a living, and then they die.”

That’s what we’re supposed to do, right? Wrong! Life is made for greater things, and you are meant for greater things.

When Les Brown was a child, he was labeled ‘educable mentally retarded’, and until a chance encounter with another teacher, he believed that he would amount to nothing. But this one teacher planted the seeds in Les’ head which would blossom and grow, and eventually make him one of the best motivational speakers of all time.

This speech will give you permission to rise above other people’s opinions, to break free of their prejudices, and make a success of whatever you do. Watch ‘It’s Not Over Until You Win! Your Dream is Possible’ and take those first steps towards following your passion and making your dream come true.

“Stress doesn’t come from the facts, stress comes from the meaning that we give the facts.”

Life is about choices. Every day we’re faced with hundreds of choices, and this speech by Tony Robbins will help you see that it’s the choices, not the conditions, which shape our lives.

Take a moment during this speech to pause and reflect on some choices you have made in the past, and really think about the direction your life took because of them, both good and bad. Tony Robbins explains in his inimitable way that we have the choice to focus on what we want, and that when we focus, we can achieve whatever we want.

Part of Tony’s speech explains how, when the economy is down, some people thrive and some people crash and burn, and the COVID 19 pandemic is the perfect example. Small businesses took a huge hit, and while some of them threw up their hands in despair and said ‘that’s it, it’s over for us’, others adapted, and saw it as an opportunity to expand, diversify, and turn the situation to their advantage.

And that’s the cornerstone of this video – how we react, how we adapt, and how we choose is the difference between success and failure.

“So every rep that I do gets me closer to accomplishing the goal to make this goal – this vision – into reality.”

Be inspired by Arnold Schwarzenneger as he talks about his goal of becoming Mr. Universe. Never wasting a second of his day, Arnie worked in construction, spent 5 hours in the gym, and went to acting classes, all of which took him further along his journey to making his dream come true.

We all have a propensity to waste time, but if you have a goal, if you have a passion that smolders away, take a leaf out of Arnie’s book and make sure that everything you do propels you forward.

And don’t be afraid to fail.

“Your conviction and your convenience don’t live on the same block.”

If you are a fan of The Secret, you will be familiar with Lisa Nicholls. In this video, Lisa tells Tom Bilyeu how she was willing to leave everything and everyone behind in order to grow into the version of herself that she knew she wanted.

Lisa explains how, as a young mother, she was forced to wrap her baby in a towel for two days because she had no money for diapers, and how it was at that moment that she vowed never to be that broke or that broken again.

Change, success, drive…they’re all inconvenient and disruptive, and Lisa Nicholls demonstrates that wonderfully in this emotional and highly motivating interview in which she declares “your story is not meant to be your fortress, your story is meant to be your fuel.”

Eric Thomas had a dream, a goal, and that goal was to be the best motivational speaker in the world. He didn’t achieve this by giving 70%, or 80%…he didn’t achieve it by staying in bed late in the mornings. He achieved it by giving 100% every minute of every day.

Listen to Eric’s words, hear the passion in his voice, and feel the lessons he is giving to you if you want to be the best at whatever you do.

“If we don’t take control of our environment, it takes control of us.”

This short piece by Tony Robbins has been designed to show you that you are in control of your own environment. Whether you realize it or not, what goes on around you has a massive influence on the way you feel and the way you act.

By taking leadership of your own life, you can defy outside influences and set your own tone for the day ahead, regardless of whatever or whoever is exerting pressure from the outside.

Follow Tony’s example of taking 10 minutes for yourself at the start of every day – for gratitude, prayer or wishes for family and friends, and a recap of what you want to accomplish that day, and your day will continue on that same path of thankfulness, hope, and goals.

“Your mind doesn’t know the difference between something you vividly imagined and something that’s real, literally!”

If you want to emulate the way successful people behave, take these 10 billionaires’ habits and adopt them yourself for 21 days.

Billed by Jim Kwik as being ‘like a magic pill’, these habits will rewire your brain into thinking and behaving like some of the world’s most successful people.

In this 8 minute clip, Jim shares how, for instance, your brain reacts the same way when you imagine your dog walking in as it does when your dog actually walks in, and this can apply to anything. What the mind can conceive and believe, it can achieve.

As much as this applies to positive things, it also can be applied to negative things, so if you imagine failure, that’s what you will get. Fill your mind with thoughts of success and that’s what will happen.

None of these habits are difficult to accomplish, but in doing so you will change your entire mindset into one of a hugely successful person, no matter what you want to achieve in life.

“Don’t leave crumbs.”

If this sounds more like a housekeeping hint and less like a motivational affirmation, you’re 50% right. Our lives do need housekeeping, and not leaving crumbs – i.e. regrets – which will come back and rob your tomorrow of joy, is one of the chores you need to do on a daily basis.

Matthew McConaughey delivers a powerful speech in a gentle way at the University of Houston Commencement Address.

Discussing the five rules he lives by, he will show you how to avoid falling into a trap of entitlement, and why ‘Unbelievable’ is the stupidest word in the dictionary.

With some invaluable life lessons contained inside a highly watchable speech, Matthew McConaughey is an unlikely but very inspiring speaker who has stayed humble despite all his successes.

“There are a lot of sharks in the world; if you hope to complete the swim, you will have to deal with them. So if you want to change the world, don’t back down from the sharks.”

Spoken with eloquence and quiet assuredness, this six-minute speech draws on US Navy Admiral William McRaven’s experience of survival in the Navy Seals.

He explains how making your bed, while seemingly insignificant and even pointless, will set a series of tasks in motion which will ensure that at best, the first job of the day is done, and at worst, you have a neat, tidy bed to fall into at the end of a trying day.

The world is full of people who want to bring you down (the sharks) but if you stand your ground, they will eventually swim away, leaving you to go on to bigger and better things.

“Sometimes life’s gonna hit you in the face with a brick…don’t lose faith.”

Steve Jobs, chairman, CEO, and co-founder of Apple Inc. was hit in the face with more than one brick during his 56 years on earth. From being given up for adoption as a baby, to being fired from the very company which he founded, he never let anything get in his way.

In this commencement speech at Stamford University in 2005, Steve explained how his love for what he did spurred him on to rebuild his life in spectacular fashion.

Life dealt a further blow when, in 2003, he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.

This speech focuses on three stories which, when combined, show how life offers opportunities for change and growth, no matter how dire the circumstances.

Steve Jobs never graduated college, but when he died in 2011, aged just 56, he had a net worth of US$7 billion. He achieved this by doing what he loved, and in this speech he will inspire you to do the same.

“It is impossible to live without failing at something, unless you live so cautiously than you might as well not have lived at all. In which case, you fail by default.”

Let J. K. Rowling inspire you with this 2008 commencement speech at Harvard University. Extolling the virtues of failure and imagination, she tells the graduates how being at rock bottom set her free to pursue her dreams of being an author.

As poor as it is possible to be without being homeless, she created the world of Harry Potter and went on to amass a fortune of £795 million, but that without her failures in life, she would never have had the opportunity to do so.

Let her words become your own mantra, and view every failure in your life as a future success.

“We shine, because baby you just can’t dim the sun.”

A beautiful antidote for anyone who has ever felt or been told that they are ‘too much’, Gina Hatzis’ winning Speaker Slam speech of 2018 will give you permission to be unashamedly you.

Although written by a woman for women, this powerful and sometimes humorous speech about being your own authentic self will inspire anyone – man or woman – to shine and never dim their own light to suit other people.

“The first step you need to take is just that…step.”

If you are in need of a short, sharp burst of motivation, listen to this speech by ex Navy Seal, Jocko Willink.

Running for less than three minutes, this recording will inspire you to take a step into whatever you want to achieve. Awarded both the Silver Star and the Bronze Star for service, Jocko Willink is no stranger to taking those brave steps, having come face to face with Iraqu insurgents in Ramadi. He will spur you on to put one metaphorical foot in front of the other, and will leave you in no doubt as to what you need to do to achieve your goals.

“On the other side of your maximum fear are all of the best things in life.”

If you like your motivation with a side order of laughter, watch Will Smith as he talks about fear. Agreeing to skydive on a night out with friends, Will realizes that he actually has to go through with it.

Discussing how fear ruins things (he couldn’t sleep or eat before the jump), Will also discloses that beyond fear was the most blissful experience of his life, and how that principle can be applied to anything in life.

“Only those that can see the invisible, can do the impossible.”

Tyrese Gibson knows success, and in this speech he talks about how it can be achieved, by anyone who wants it.

Actor, singer, author, model…Tyrese seems to have the Midas touch, but he didn’t get it by luck. Follow his words as he gently but passionately guides you along the path you need to take if you have goals and dreams in life.

“I refuse to be another man who lived and died, and wasn’t significant’”

“If it is written, so shall it be.”

When Steve Harvey’s teacher crushed his dreams of being on TV, the one person who believed in him was his father. He told him to put a piece of paper with his dreams on in his drawer, and to read it every morning and every night.

His dreams came true.

It didn’t always come easy for Steve Harvey though – he spent years living in his car when he had nowhere else to go, but the one thing he never lost was his ambition and determination to see his dreams through to fruition.

A firm believer in the Law of Attraction, Steve still has vision boards and still commits his dreams to writing, and encourages you to do the same in this speech that made Obama cry.

These motivational speeches, and many more like them, show how having guts, determination, and a vision will get you anywhere you want to go, no matter your beginnings in life. These inspirational speakers have suffered loss, sickness, and unbelievable hardships, but the one thing that got them through was their desire to win and their belief that they could.

Immerse yourself in their words of wisdom, and take that next step into your best life.

More on Motivation

• 8 Rituals to Cultivating True Self-Motivation That Lasts
• 10 Monday Morning Habits for a Successful Week
• Motivational Quotes

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30 Famous and Short Inspirational Speeches (5 minutes or less)

• December 13, 2023

This post is all about the best short inspirational speeches.

If you are in need of a quick boost of inspiration and motivation, you will find that in this post. I am one of those people who loves to get motivated. That sounds weird, right?

Well, a lot of people these days tend to give motivation a hard time because they don’t believe that it has lasting effects. In other words, they believe that what’s most important is your own self-discipline, because that’s what you have to rely on when motivation isn’t there.

And while I do agree with that sentiment in general, I will never pass up a great motivational podcast or YouTube video! 😀 There’s just something about them that even if they might not have lasting effects, they do truly help pump me up in the moment to get work done. And that’s usually what matters to me the most when I am looking for them in the first place.

So, here are the very best short motivational speeches so you can get that quick fix of motivation that you’re looking for, and ultimately move closer to your goals and dreams.

Short Inspirational Speeches

Believe in yourself speeches.

If you lack confidence or you are doubting yourself, these short motivational speeches will help you to believe in yourself again.

1. Rocky’s Inspirational Speech to His Son | ROCKY BALBOA

In less than 5 minutes, you’ll watch Rocky Balboa (Sylvester Stallone) explain to his son that if he wants to have the life he desires, he needs to believe in himself. He needs to stop listening to the people that tell him who he is, and instead go be his own person, and stop looking for someone to blame when things aren’t working out for him because ultimately it’s on HIM. This is one of the greatest inspirational speeches of all time.

2. Find Your Purpose | David Goggins – Motivational Speech

David Goggins is truly incredible. A former Navy SEAL, he has broken records and ran more races than you’d imagine. But the one thing that really stands out about him is his mindset.

Listen to this video if you want to be great. He tells you exactly what you need to do to get there.

Also, if you’ve never read David Goggins’ book “Can’t Hurt Me” , I highly recommend it. He talks about his rough upbringing, and how he was able to essentially become an entirely new person to become a Navy SEAL.

3. BELIEVE IN YOURSELF – Motivational Video (ft. Jaret Grossman & Eric Thomas)

This video is all about how important it is to have the proper belief system. If you truly believe that you are one of the best, you will start acting that you are one of the best, and eventually you may just be one of the best.

4. DON’T LET YOUR DREAMS DIE – Motivational Speech

This YouTube short by Mel Robbins is so good, I had to share it. A light bulb went on in my head when I first watched this. If there is something that is always on your mind, don’t let it haunt you forever because you never put yourself out there to try it. Go and DO!

Motivational Speeches About Not Giving Up

The following short motivational speeches are all about not giving up on your dreams. If you are losing hope, these short motivational speeches will inspire you to keep going.

5. Brené Brown It’s Not The Critic Who Counts

This speech will give you chills, and it is packed with great lessons about life. Brené Brown is a researcher who went viral for a Ted Talk, and here she talks about how to overcome critics and to keep believing in yourself no matter what. If you are worried about what people think of you, you NEED to watch this.

6. Amazing Motivational Speech by Denzel Washington 

This is another video that gave me chills. The main theme of this famous speech is “ease is a greater threat to progress than hardship”. Stay consistent even when it’s hard. Easy task after easy task won’t get you to where you want to be.

7. Steve Harvey – Inspirational Speech | Motivational Short Video | Incredible You

This short motivational speech by Steve Harvey is short but impactful. If you are someone who stepped out of your comfort zone to pursue something really difficult, and you’re thinking about giving up, this speech may just prevent you from doing so.

8. Ed Mylett on The Power of One More

Ed Mylett shares the story of how his father stayed sober until his dying day, and how Ed himself uses that same philosophy to never give up. Personal stories like these are always the most inspiring.

By the way, if you REALLY want to push yourself and become the best, read Ed Mylett’s most recent book on this same topic, “The Power Of One More” .

Motivational Speeches If You’re Feeling Behind

Are you feeling behind in life? If so, let’s change that. Watch these videos to be reminded that you are on your own unique path. You have no competition other than your past self. These short motivational videos will help you believe that.

9. Before You Feel Pressure – WATCH THIS | by Jay Shetty

Jay Shetty talks to a school class about how there’s no one “perfect” life timeline to follow, and that we are all on our own clock. 

10. Kevin Hart Motivational Speech

If you’ve made mistakes in your life (haven’t we all) this is a great story from Kevin Hart (famous comedian and actor) that will remind you of the power of making mistakes and pushing through hard times.

11. Oprah Winfrey | 5 Minutes For The NEXT 50 Years of Your LIFE

In this video, Oprah talks about the importance of really knowing who you are and what you want in your life. She talks about surrounding yourself with great people, and how to have enormous success. “Let excellence be your brand.”

Listen To These If You Need Perspective

Sometimes in life, we get so caught up in the day to day that we forget what truly matters – the people we love. If you are having trouble with something in life, give these videos a listen, because they just might help you realize what is really important.

12. Arnold Schwarzenegger – Organize Your Day | 1 MINUTE MOTIVATIONAL VIDEO

Are you the kind of person who always complains that you don’t have enough time to do something? If so, you’re not alone. We are all busy humans, running around doing a million things. But if you aren’t prioritizing what you know you should be doing, listen to this video.

13. How to Judge Your Life Using 3 Simple Questions | Brendon Burchard Speech| Goalcast

Have you ever heard of Mortality Motivation? It’s essentially what it sounds like… being motivated by the impending reality of your death. It sounds a little morbid, but it’s actually quite beautiful and it can be really beneficial if you harness it for good.

In this video by motivational speaker Brendon Burchard, he shares how a car accident when he was 19 gave him mortality motivation and changed everything for him.

14. FALL, SUFFER AND LEARN | MOTIVATIONAL SPEECH BY OPRAH WINFREY

This speech by Oprah was given to Harvard graduates, and it’s a unique speech because she talks about failing, even after the major success of her television show for over 20 years.

It’s refreshing to hear that even the most successful people fail. What really matters, though, is what you do with your failure. Do you learn from it and move on? Or do you give up?

15. YOU VS YOU – Best Motivational Video

This is a pretty intense video about competition. If your #1 competition is someone else, you need to change your perspective. Your only competition is YOU. The only thing preventing you from moving forward is you.

16. The Speech That Brought This Entire School To Tears

This is a speech about a man who never really paid much attention to his mother, until she passed away. It’s an emotional reminder to cherish the time you have with your loved ones, because you never know if the next time you see them will be the last time.

In my opinion, this speaker embodies many qualities of the best motivational speakers because he really knows how to capture the audience’s attention and pull on their heart strings.

17. 5 Minutes to Start Your Day Right! – MORNING MOTIVATION

This motivational speech is by a Navy SEAL who will remind you to start each day with a task completed, respect everyone, take risks, step up during tough times, and never give up. If you do these things, the next generation, and the generations that follow, will live better lives than we live today.

18. The Real You – Jim Carrey

This video is one of the best motivational speech examples because it reminds you of something so important: sometimes we can be so focused on earning more money, gaining fame, and becoming admired that we lose ourselves or we lose sight of what’s really important to us in the process.

Jim Carrey talks about how he is a great example of that. He got all of the money, fame, and admiration, and admits that that wasn’t really who he was. Sometimes it’s nice to be reminded that money and fame, or even getting to the top of the corporate ladder, while nice, aren’t going to be the thing that brings you fulfillment when it’s all said and done.

19. Ed Mylett Motivational Speech

I posted another motivational video by Ed Mylett above, but if you don’t know much about him, prepare to have your world rocked. He’s probably my absolute favorite motivational speaker because he is successful and he works hard, but he’s also (seemingly) a kind, family guy who’s been through a few things.

In this video, he talks about being “the one” that changed his family tree. Take a listen because I’m sure it’ll get you thinking on whether or not you can be “the one” in YOUR family.

P.S. If you love personal growth content, you should check out Ed Mylett’s podcast . I listen to it every week and it is one of my favorites.

20. If You Feel LOST, LAZY & UNMOTIVATED In Life, WATCH THIS! | Tony Robbins Motivation

If you are someone who is constantly blaming others or your circumstances for your unhappiness, you need to listen to this video by Tony Robbins . Bad things happen to us all, it’s up to you to focus on what you can control.

Great Inspirational Speeches About Hard Work

How hard do you think you work? Could you be doing more? If there’s a little voice inside of your heart that knows you could be doing more and better, these motivational videos about the value of hard work will help you push yourself.

And a side note: your chances of having good luck increase the harder and longer you work.

21. You’re Not Tired, You’re Just Weak – David Goggins Motivation

If you’re feeling lazy or like you don’t want to do something, watch this video til 2:25 . It will give you the push you need to put your head down and do the work. It’ll remind you to keep pursuing your goals and to keep challenging yourself. Key takeaway: push yourself beyond your perceived limits.

22. Hard Work & Patience – A Gary Vaynerchuk Original Film

If you want to be motivated to work hard, listen to Gary Vaynerchuk. Gary Vaynerchuk is a creative genius known for his marketing tactics. This famous motivational speech is all about playing “the long game”, as in, working for a long time and having patience instead of working hard for a short period of time and expecting to win quickly.

23. OBSESSION – Best Motivational Speech

This is one of my favorite short motivational speeches because it makes me feel a little more normal for being “weird”. I’m the kind of person who chooses to work on the weekends instead of hanging out with people. Crazy, right? But it’s because I’m working toward a dream of mine and it’s something that’s really important to me. The most important thing to remember: it’s okay to devote yourself to something. It’s the only way to get what you want in life.

24. WORK LIKE HELL – Best Motivational Video

This is a series of motivational speeches about doing a little bit more and outworking your competition. I’m not going to lie – I’m up late writing this post and listening to this very video is what’s motivating me to keep going.

25. The video EVERY woman should watch!

Whether or not you’re a Rachel Hollis fan may be up for debate (and that’s okay!) but I happen to think she’s a great motivational speaker. This entire speech will inspire you to work hard and take massive action – today.

26. NEVER SURRENDER – Powerful Motivational Speech (by Kobe Bryant)

This one minute video by the late Kobe Bryant is one of the most famous short speeches. I read a book recently by his former personal trainer and I learned that Kobe really outworked everyone. He talks about a quote in this video that really stuck with him, and I think it’s great advice if you’re the kind of person who needs motivation to keep working hard.

Motivational Speeches About Working Smart

Have you ever heard the saying “work smarter, not harder”? That saying is all about ensuring that the work you are doing is actually efficient. Are you getting to where you want to go with all of the work that you are putting in? Are you getting closer to your goals and your dreams? Or are you sprinting like a hamster on a wheel and just running in circles?

Here are great videos on the importance of working hard but also working intentionally.

27. SET SYSTEMS RATHER THAN GOALS – Motivational Speech – James Clear

A goal gives you a sense of direction, but if you don’t spell out precisely how you are going to get to a goal, it is useless. You must develop systems. Listen to this James Clear video to gain valuable life lessons.

By the way, James Clear is an author who wrote perhaps my favorite book of all time: “Atomic Habits” . It’s life-changing if you haven’t read it yet.

28. Matthew McConaughey | 5 Minutes for the NEXT 50 Years of Your LIFE

This is one of the best motivational speeches of all time about how to live a great life for YOU. It’s filled with little pieces of wisdom that’ll really get you thinking about how you live your life and in what direction you want to go.

29. Visualization is the key – Bob Proctor

Do you believe in the Law of Attraction? If not, I have to say I’m surprised! I’ve experienced it in my own life more than once, and it is incredibly powerful. Here’s a great video that sums up the power of visualization, and if you want to learn more about the Law of Attraction or manifestation in general, read this post .

This video shows the true power of words, thoughts, and feelings that you have.

30. How to Stay Motivated – Carla Harris

Here is a YouTube short with very practical advice from Carla Harris on HOW to stay motivated. It’s all about having a vision!

This post was all about short inspirational speeches. Which one was your favorite?

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A few years after graduating college, Taylor made it her mission to become debt free. After paying off all $60k of debt, she began to blog about what she's really passionate about: personal development. Nowadays, Taylor blogs about the topics of Mindset, Money, Health, and Career for women.

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Published Date : October 29, 2021

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A sense of purpose in your professional and personal life is critical to success. It is useful advice for an impending deadline, an important presentation, or when clients rely on your performance.

Words can revitalize you on both a physical and emotional level. Motivational speeches may help you focus on your objectives and motivate your team. Having the right words to say the right thing at the right moment can transform and challenge your thinking.

You can use these motivational speeches to stay inspired and fulfilled no matter what life throws at you. These speeches will remind you why you do what you do and how much you enjoy doing it.

How Motivational Speeches Move People

People are propelled ahead by motivation. It rouses individuals from their complacency and opens their eyes to the thrilling possibilities . It is where motivational speeches help people to rise beyond the shackles of their ordinary existence.

Although motivation has a profound and even mystical effect on individuals, it is not as elusive as it first seems. The best motivational speeches are those that provoke thinking and meaning.

What Makes The Best Motivational Speeches

Best motivational speeches all have one thing in common: they’re filled with emotion . Emotions influence our decisions, behaviors, and viewpoints in every area of our lives. Motivational speeches are often filled with: 

• Anecdotes about overcoming adversity
• Perseverance
• Achieving success

Speakers who use emotive topics and talking points that the audience can connect to are more likely to motivate the audience.

Plus, make them believe that they can overcome whatever obstacles stand in their way. The feeling of hope often sparks inspiration.

Qualities of Good Motivational Speakers

A few of the most effective motivational speakers share the characteristics listed below.

For more knowledge in delivering a motivational speech , here are some tips:

• Initiate mobility . Speakers begin with a speech , but concentrating the audience on various elements leads to a specific outcome. 
• Straight to the point . Speakers convince the audience of their credibility while giving their speeches.
• Make it interesting . An effective motivational speaker knows that standing before an audience and blathering is never appreciated.

Practice your speech with Orai. Get feedback on your tone, tempo, confidence , and conciseness .

Motivational Speeches From Universities

Motivational speeches from well-known people are given during graduation each year to encourage students. Here are the best motivational speeches during the commencement exercises of different universities:

1. Denzel Washington – University of Pennsylvania

Denzel Washington’s motivational speech discusses the importance of taking chances in life and how. It is among the finest motivational speeches that are valid for business owners. He stated that when you fail, you should fall forward to his graduation address. Also, he encourages people to embrace failure and grow from it. 

2. Steve Jobs – Stanford University

Definitely among the finest motivational speeches ever! His motivational speech discussed life’s setbacks, such as death, and how understanding death may help people make better life decisions. His comments to the graduating class on the value of learning and pursuing goals were the most valuable advice he could give them.

3. Jim Carrey – Maharishi University

At Maharishi University in Iowa, actor and comedian Jim Carrey delivered one of the most original graduation addresses ever. His takeaway from his motivational speech is: Never give up on your goals and never give up on yourself. Indeed, it is one of the best motivational speeches.

4. J.K. Rowling – Harvard University

Several publishers rejected J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter series before it was finally accepted, as is well known. However, before she became successful, she was in a desperate position and was about to become bankrupt. In her Harvard address, she stressed the importance of not being afraid of failure and persisting in adversity.

5. Matthew McConaughey – University of Houston

Next on our list is Matthew McConaughey’s motivational speech . His speech has various excellent ideas. But, the one that stood out was when he said we should approach happiness constantly.

Ultimately, he discovered that everything came into place when he approached things step by step. After everything was said and done, Matthew McConaughey gave one of the best motivational speeches in recent years.

6. Michelle Obama – Eastern Kentucky University

Michelle Obama delivered a commencement speech to the Eastern Kentucky University class in 2013. She urged them to keep challenging their assumptions and find a way to make their flaws work for them. Her speech focused on giving the students motivation about life. 

When it comes to defining moments in your life, it won’t be when you receive a promotion or have a breakthrough in your career.

7. Peter Dinklage – Bennington College

Game of Thrones actor Peter Dinklage is well-known for portraying Tyrion Lannister in the show. He delivered the Bennington College graduating speech in 2012. His message to the graduating class focused on perseverance and doing everything it takes to succeed. 

8. John Roberts – Cardigan Mountain School

US Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts addressed his son’s graduating high school class in 2017. It’s not good luck; he wishes the grads in his address. He expresses his want for kids to experience loneliness, failure, and defeat from time to time. 

9. Natalie Portman – Harvard University

Actress Natalie Portman addressed Harvard University’s 2015 graduating class during their graduation ceremony. She uses wide brushstrokes from all periods of her life to build a picture in her compelling speech . Also, she claims to have discovered that taking measured risks may result in life-altering benefits, as she has done it herself.

10. Meryl Streep – Barnard College

Meryl Streep is most recognized as a 16-time nominee and 2-time winner at the Academy Awards. While at Barnard College, she made a memorable graduating address in 2010 that inspired the audience. However, in her address, she emphasized the importance of her relationships with family and friends. 

Become an excellent speaker with the perfect Motivational speech .

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Motivational Speeches From Ted Talk

Reaffirming your confidence in humanity is one of the most powerful benefits of listening to motivational speeches. Next time you need a little additional energy, have this list handy.

1. Elizabeth Gilbert

Famous author and TED speaker Elizabeth Gilbert spoke about how we all have a “genius” that we may unleash. She is the author of the best-selling book Eat, Pray, Love. Gilbert’s motivational speech emphasized the importance of not being intimidated or scared of success. 

2. Tony Robbins

One of the most well-known motivational speakers today is Tony Robbins. This TED lecture, in particular, profoundly affects the listener. It addresses two major issues in its title, “Why We Do What We Do.”

We learn about ourselves and others by asking these kinds of inquiries. What should you remember? You are the only person who can decide whether or not you succeed.

3. Richard St. John

Next on our list of motivational speeches is Richard St. John’s TED Talk from 2005, given by the author, marketer, and analyst. St. John’s address, which was based on his book “8 To Be Great,” gets to the point in a manner that most speeches don’t

The remainder of St. John’s discourse quickly transitions from one intriguing topic to the next without wasting time or words. There are also a few well-placed jokes in there. As a result, even though he covers a lot of subjects, his audience retains what he says.

4. Dan Pink

As a writer, Dan Pink’s reputation is supported by many “legs,” such as his writings and accolades. Also, in the late 1990s, he was the primary speechwriter for former US Vice President Al Gore.

Pink’s TED Talk is a role model for everyone who wants to convert a dull subject into motivating. He started his speech by examining how most economists see performance, stating, “If you want people to perform better, you reward them. Right? That’s how business works.”

5. Mel Robbins

Regarding speakers, Mel Robbins has a solid reputation for taking a direct and honest stance on even the most emotional subjects. Due to this, she’s not scared to speak her mind regarding difficult issues. She only chooses a person from her audience to underscore her speech ’s enormous chances of being born.

6. Simon Sinek

First seen in his 2009 TED Talk “How Great Leaders Inspire Action,” Simon Sinek is a best-selling author. Sinek proves he’s not just switching from one stereotyped issue to another. In addition, he encourages audiences to let go of their preconceived notions about the subject to approach it with a fresh perspective.

7. Tali Sharot

Dr. Tali Sharot is dedicated to helping people realize their personal and professional dreams. She works to increase awareness of the impact of emotions on our decisions and behavior. In this TED talk, she talks about how to motivate yourself to change your behavior.

8. Brene Brown

Brene Brown, a Texan with a penchant for ranting and raving, is an authority on shame and vulnerability. A key focus of Brown’s research is human connection. Over 16 million people have seen her motivational TED presentation in which she offers a profound discovery from her studies. It launched her on a personal mission to understand both herself and humankind.

9. Malcolm Gladwell

It wouldn’t be a list of motivational speeches without Malcolm Gladwell’s inclusion. Gladwell tells the tale of a guy who refused to believe in the existence of a ‘perfect’ spaghetti sauce. It contains important insights for executives who want to create work environments where their employees are pleased.

10. Sam Berns

It is one of the best motivational speeches you’ll ever see. A 17-year-old Sam became a public face for Progeria, a hereditary disorder with the evocative moniker aging sickness. While some claimed Sam would never transcend the constraints others had placed on him, he refused to let his illness define him.

He led the life he wanted, ignoring his disease and the things that set him apart in favor of his goals. It’s a remarkable heirloom left by a unique young man.

Best Motivational Speeches From Movies

While narrative and actors are important in movies, speeches leave an impression on audiences. So, here are the best motivational speeches from movies to help you out:

Given Sunday

To prepare for a rough day, hear this inspiring lecture from a well-known motivational speaker. It focuses on the importance of inches in American Football, even though we prefer to disregard them. He speaks about how his team may gain an inch on their competition by focusing on the little details of winning.

Irrespective of whether or not you saw the film, it provided cinemagoers with one of the most motivational speeches ever. You don’t have to yell or curse a lot. Depending on your personality, it may cause you to enter what we refer to as “the zone.” Speeches in earlier films have included theatrical components; this one does not.

3. Hoosiers

Even though we’re still in college, we’ve already gained enough life experience to realize that working hard doesn’t guarantee a W. Even if we give it our all, dozing off in the library at 3 a.m. on top of our books, that doesn’t guarantee an A. Isn’t it enough if you’re giving it your all?

4. Friday Night Lights

Is it possible for you to speak the truth to your friends while looking them in the eye? That you put out all of your efforts? In this film, Coach Gaines says that if you can accomplish it with love in your heart, you’ve achieved perfection. His message inspires honesty, camaraderie, and love among his team members in this scenario.

5. Rocky Balboa

Rocky Balboa reminds his kid that life isn’t fair in this scene since he is a father figure in the Rocky franchise. It is like boxing in that how hard you punch back is immaterial. According to him, what matters is how much you can absorb and how quickly you can advance.

6. The Pursuit of Happiness

It’s worth mentioning that the whole picture is moving since it depicts father-son relationships. In this speech , a father instructs his kid never to give up on his dreams, no matter how unlikely they may seem to others. If someone tells you you can’t attain your objectives, don’t believe them.

7. Wolf of Wall Street

The main hero’s speech in Wolf of Wall Street is encouraging because it takes achievement into account. Seeing examples of people who rose from poverty to riches might encourage others to take risks when an opportunity arises. Since his speech , having a decent standard of life has become more important.

8. Braveheart

In this scene, William Wallace gives a speech on the importance of freedom to a human being. For him, independence trumps the monotony of everyday existence. The speech can motivate listeners to take action instead of just producing food.

9. The Shawshank Redemption

Motivational speeches like this one demonstrate confidence in an optimistic future. You can still use it, even if you have to put in a lot of work to get there while another guy gives up. It would help if you always had an optimistic outlook on life’s prospects.

10. Independence Day

In this film, the president discusses the importance of humanism and goodwill among all countries. His message is motivational because he discusses uniting against common adversaries and preserving lives. If you’re considering international relations, this speech is a gold mine.

What event did Greta Thunberg speak at in 2019, and what was the focus of her speech?

In 2019, Greta Thunberg delivered a speech at the United Nations Climate Action Summit. The focus of her powerful address was to criticize world leaders for their inadequate actions toward addressing and combating climate change. Thunberg traveled by sailboat to the summit and accused these leaders of failing to take tangible steps to combat the global climate crisis.

Who is Greta Thunberg, and what is she known for?

Greta Thunberg is a prominent figure in the realm of environmental activism, hailing from Sweden. At the tender age of 20, she has gained international recognition for fearlessly challenging global leaders to address the urgent need for measures to counter the impacts of climate change. Thunberg’s passionate advocacy work centers around raising awareness about the climate crisis and urging policymakers to take concrete actions to combat it. Her inspiring efforts have made her synonymous with the fight against climate change on a global scale.

What insights were found through the analysis of Oprah Winfrey’s motivational speech?

Oprah Winfrey delivered a motivational speech without using any filler words, speaking at a conversational pace and maintaining positive body language . Her speech delivery was effective and can be an example for aspiring speakers. Yoodli is a tool that can help individuals improve their speech patterns and English proficiency.

What is the title and significance of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s famous speech 1963?

Dr. King’s “I Have a Dream” speech , delivered in 1963 at the height of the civil rights movement, remains iconic. Standing at the Lincoln Memorial, he addressed a massive crowd with a message of hope, equality, and justice. The speech ’s enduring power lies in its call to judge individuals by character, not skin color, inspiring generations to dream of a more just future.

Who gave the Nobel Peace Prize Lecture in 2014, and what was the content of the speech?

Malala Yousafzai, a young Pakistani champion for female education, delivered a powerful Nobel Peace Prize speech in 2014. Despite facing threats and violence, she expressed unwavering commitment to her cause, highlighting education’s role in achieving peace and leaving a lasting impact on the world.

What did Janelle Monáe discuss in her 2018 Trailblazer Award acceptance speech?

Janelle Monáe, a trailblazer, urged pushing boundaries and exploring oneself to create inclusive spaces. She highlighted self-discovery’s challenges and rewards, emphasizing authenticity’s power in empowering others.

Who is Janelle Monáe, and what awards has she received?

Janelle Monáe is a multi-talented pop artist who proudly identifies as queer and Black. Known for her powerful voice and dynamic performances, she has garnered recognition for her artistic contributions across various award ceremonies. Some of the awards and nominations she has received come from distinguished organizations such as BET, Billboard Music, ASCAP, and AICE. These accolades celebrate her exceptional talent and artistic achievements in the music industry.

Parting Words

That concludes our selection of the best motivational speeches to get you through the tough times ahead! Let’s take a look at some of the common themes that appear in all of these talks.

• It’s critical that you like your work.
• Even if you fail, that’s not the end of the world.
• It would be better if you aspired to it.

Now, consider the topics that will motivate your listeners to pay attention to your words. You may also use the Orai App to help you enhance your public speaking skills and capture your audience’s attention. Furthermore, take advantage of the free trial offer and start immediately.

Practice makes a man perfect. Start practicing and become a professional speaker.

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Home > Blog > Speaking 101 > 10 Motivational Speech Examples To Inspire You Today

10 Motivational Speech Examples To Inspire You Today

Whether you’re a speaker or not, there come times in all of our lives where we need a little motivation. Maybe you’re struggling to find your purpose or are unsure about your path in life. Maybe you just had a bad day and need a reminder that tomorrow’s a fresh start. In either case, looking to famous speakers – and their corresponding motivational speech examples – is one sure way to boost your mood and help you find the energy to keep on keepin’ on. 

Here, we’ll look at ten different speeches from some of the most famous motivational speakers of the 21st century. Some are serious and take a candid look at difficult issues in the speakers’ lives. Others are humorous, designed to balance tough topics with laughter. 

Whatever tone you need to hear at this moment, at least one of the following speakers is guaranteed to brighten your day. They’re also all incredible examples for you to follow, simply from a speaking standpoint, when you next step on stage or record a virtual event . 

Hopefully, you get as much out of these examples as our own team did and are able to put the corresponding takeaways to good use. 💓

Steve Jobs: Commencement Speech At Stanford (2005)

First of our motivational speech examples is Stanford’s 2005 commencement speech, delivered by the late Apple founder Steve Jobs. Since his passing , much has been said about Jobs, some positive, some negative, with some people going so far as to publish their criticism or praise. However, regardless of whether or not they personally admired him, few will argue against Job’s brilliance. Even for those that scrutinized his business practices or personal life while he was alive, there’s little doubt that he was a major force in shaping the world we live in today through the technology he created. 

In this speech, Jobs’ mindfulness for these differing views is readily apparent, and overall, the entire speech is surprisingly humble. Jobs structures his speech as three simple stories, and of course they’re anything but simple, once you dig beneath the surface. 

One is a rags-to-riches story, which is expected, considering Jobs’ success. Second is a story of adversity in which Jobs explains the issues he faced after being “fired” from Apple. 

But it’s the third story – one about death – that’s truly surprising. It’s not a subject you’ll hear in many commencement speeches, let alone motivational ones. Yet, in telling this story, Jobs manages to present it in a way that it’s not depressing or scary but instead inspires his audience to live life to the fullest. 

In the same way, as you shape your own motivational speeches or as you approach challenging situations, remember that simplicity and logic are all well and good, like the stories Jobs includes at the beginning of his speech. But, if you want to truly stand out and conquer your challenges, be courageous! Approach tough topics head-on, don’t be afraid to be unconventional, and you’re sure to leave a mark, just like Jobs did.

Richard St. John: 8 Secrets of Success TED Talk (2005) 

Second of our motivational speech examples is that of author, marketer, and analyst Richard St. John , namely his 2005 TED Talk. TED Talks have become a staple in the world of motivational speeches, and it’s easy to see why this one made the cut. Based on his book , 8 To Be Great , St. John’s speech cuts to the chase in a way that most speeches don’t. In fact, it’s only three minutes long! 

Plus, although many of his points are simple, the speech itself is structurally brilliant, condensing 7 years of research and 500 of St. John’s interviews into a presentation that, despite its brevity, keeps audience members on their toes. Altogether, it’s a brilliant example of the use of momentum in storytelling. When it starts, for instance, St. John begins with “It all started one day on a plane,” which for many listeners – myself included – would seem like a signal to tune out a bit. It’s like hearing a speech that starts with “Webster’s Dictionary defines…” It works, but it’s used a lot . 

That said, the rest of St. John’s speech is the polar opposite, and quickly jumps from one interesting point to another without any wasted words or time. It also incorporates carefully-placed jokes. That way, even though he covers a lot of ground, his audience remembers all of it. It also allows him to connect with his audience and, unlike many speakers, share his information without appearing to be on a pedestal. 

With your own experiences or motivational speeches, St. John’s speech offers two important lessons. First, keep it simple. You don’t have to be flashy to be memorable. Second, don’t be afraid to laugh. In presentations, humor makes you more relatable and memorable, and in life, it makes hard times easier to handle. 

Dan Pink: The Puzzle of Motivation TED Talk (2009)

Third in our list of motivational speech examples is another TED Talk, this time from career analyst and bestselling author Daniel Pink. As an author, Pink’s built his reputation on many “legs,” including his publications, awards – even a stint as chief speechwriter for former U.S. Vice President Al Gore in the late 1990s.

Like these accomplishments, Pink’s TED Talk is a model for any speaker that needs to take a boring topic – like business or politics – and turn it into something inspiring and engaging. In this case, the former of these topics is presented as a puzzle. To start with, Pink explains the common economic approach to performance, saying “If you want people to perform better, you reward them. Right?… That’s how business works.” 

However, what he says next is what really puzzles you, as a listener: There is a mismatch between what science knows and what business does….the solution is not to do more of the wrong things, to entice people with a sweeter carrot, or threaten them with a sharper stick. We need a whole new approach.”

Ultimately, the topic of performance in the workplace is a relatively common one and the question “How do I motivate myself at work?” is a common puzzle. But Pink tackles out-of-the-box thinking in an out-of-the-box way and, in the end, concludes his story with a clear takeaway from the evidence and unconventional analytics he’s shared.

Likewise, with your own speeches or decisions, start by considering all the evidence you can find. That’s just a good rule of thumb, no matter what field you’re in. But, after that, try to consider it from another angle. Like Pink’s speech, it’ll make your topic vastly more interesting, and you’re almost guaranteed to grow, personally, because of your learning process.

Mel Robbins: How to Stop Screwing Yourself Over (2011)

Number four of our motivational speech examples belongs to Mel Robbins . As speakers go, Robbins is widely respected for her unique and candid approach to difficult situations, or, as I call it, the “gut-punch” approach. In other words, she’s not afraid to talk frankly about tough stuff. 

Dig beneath the one-liners and snarky comments, though, and Robbins’ approach is really about being direct to the point of bluntness. Some of the things she advocates are platitudes – focus on getting what you want, tell yourself the truth, force yourself out of your comfort zone, etc. – but she always backs it up with data that makes the gut punches land that much harder. 

Beyond her speaking style, however, Robbins is also known for engaging with her audiences. In this speech, for instance, she not only picks an individual from her audience to highlight the overwhelming odds of simply being born (this is the data we just talked about). She then goes on to meld that statistic with a model of the human brain, saying “I describe one side of your brain as autopilot and the other side as an emergency brake” and explaining her method for getting out of your own “autopilot” mode to meet your goals.

In this way, by presenting evidence but then relating it to a real person in the room, Robbins takes a subject that could be complicated or boring and makes it relatable. Likewise, if your speaking material – or your mood – has a tendency to flatline, change things up! Be blunt with yourself and candid with your audience. Then, do whatever you need to connect your message to other’s lives. Just like Pink’s speech, taking this Mel Robbins, “gut-punch” approach will make you relatable and likable, making you memorable.

Michelle Obama: Commencement Speech at Eastern Kentucky University (2013)

Next in our list of motivational speech examples is another commencement speech, this time from former lawyer, bestselling author , and First Lady to the 44th President of the U.S. Michelle Obama. 

Since stepping into the spotlight at the White House, Obama’s been regarded by many as a woman of power, and her personal and professional accomplishments are without question. In some ways, they’ve even helped her become a celebrity. This level of fame, however, is precisely where Obama’s similarity to celebrities ends. 

For many celebrity motivational speakers, speaking is just a gig, and the amount of time they want to spend on it corresponds directly with the money they receive to be there. In cases like these, it’s clear to the audience that the speaker may not even believe what they’re saying on stage or want their audience to succeed. They just want the paycheck. 

Yet, despite Obama’s popularity and prominence, her approach to speaking is anything but flippant or snobby. It’s all about connecting with the audience in a way that shows true generosity of spirit. In fact, every point Obama touches on is quickly translated and related to her audience in a way that’s both personal and powerful, making it clear that this speech isn’t haphazardly thrown together or something she’s said to hundreds of other audiences. It was carefully crafted to tie her core values – resilience, conscientiousness and service – into the setting and the needs of her audience, so they could leave with personalized affirmation and action steps. 

By doing this, Obama never fails to deliver a message that is both moving and quietly powerful. To do the same with your own speeches, follow her lead and remember who you’re there for: not the check, not the glory, but your audience .

Brené Brown: “The Power of Vulnerability” (2013)

Number six of our motivational speech examples is the shortest on this list, a less than three-minute short film from University of Houston research professor Dr. Brené Brown . 

Although Brown originally gained traction with her 20-minute TED Talk in 2010, this speech (or “mini-speech,” rather) takes the topic of that talk – vulnerability – and concentrates on a single facet of it. Specifically, she focuses on empathy and the age-old question of how to express empathy rather than sympathy and, in doing so, authentically connect with the person you’re trying to support in the moment. 

It’s a hard question, but, like Richard St. John’s speech, Brown shares a lot in a short message. In many ways, it’s her brevity that forces you to sit up and listen. In a little more than two minutes, her message is simple: When someone you know feels down and alone, don’t try to make things better. Just be there with them, and stick around, even if it takes them a while to bounce back. 

To illustrate her point, Brown presents her speech alongside an animated cartoon in which a fox is the depressed party and a bear comes to her aid. This helps her take a challenging and sometimes uncomfortable situation and not just make it engaging but also light-hearted. 

Similarly, if your speech tackles a tough message, consider presenting with a visual aid to lighten the mood, and keep the message as brief as possible. Don’t be the motivational speaker equivalent of “that guy,” i.e., the speaker who drones on and on but keeps repeating the same basic points. Use your speaking ability and visual aids to make a connection in the way that suits your audience best.

Jim Carrey: Commencement Speech at Maharishi University of Management (2014)

Seventh of our motivational speech examples is a 2014 commencement speech, this time from comedian, actor, and artist Jim Carrey. As you’d expect, part of Carey’s charm is his sense of humor, and it’s largely through his comedy that he keeps the audience engaged through serious topics. He’s also mindful of his tendency to walk the comedic line and uses this unpredictability to keep his audience paying attention, as they can pretty safely assume he has another joke up his sleeve.

Additionally, besides humor, Carey also engages his audience with something we’ve yet to touch on: authenticity! Unlike the other speakers in this list, Carey is widely known for his eccentricity more than anything. Most recently, as he’s shared more and more of his artwork, he’s also gained considerable attention for his creativity. Throughout his speech, although many speakers might choose to “dumb down” these attributes, Carey instead thrives on them, staying true to his authentic self, just as he encourages the members of his audience to be. 

To conclude his speech, Carey states: “You’ll come up with your own style, and that’s part of the fun… You are ready and able to do beautiful things in this world, and after you walk through those doors today, you will only ever have two choices: love or fear. Choose love and don’t ever let fear turn you against your playful heart.”

With your own speeches – and your own personal choices – keep this mindset close and remember to be yourself. Like Carey says, “you are ready and able to do beautiful things”. Plus, I can almost guarantee there are people out there who could benefit from the stories you have to share. Just stay true to yourself, stay humble, and your audience won’t want to look away.

Simon Sinek: Live2Lead (2016)

Next in our list of motivational speech examples is a speech from writer and TED speaker Simon Sinek . As author of the bestselling leadership book Start With Why , Sinek first appeared in his 2009 TED Talk , “How Great Leaders Inspire Action.” 

Since then, he’s gone on to publish a number of additional books centered around leadership as well as how to “wake up inspired, feel safe wherever [we] are and end the day fulfilled by the work [we] do.” These three ideas can be seen consistently throughout his ongoing work, speaking included. 

In this speech, specifically, Sinek deals with leadership in the business world, but his approach is based on the idea of destroying stereotypes everywhere. In short, he’s there to “blow up” paradigms and share new ones, based on his own research and experience. Here, Sinek focuses on “trust” and “communication,” for the former. Then, he proposes replacing them with “empathy” and “perspective,” for the latter. 

Although this may sound ordinary, Sinek demonstrates that he’s not just replacing one stereotypical topic with another. He’s also urging audience members to ditch their preconceptions about that topic, so they can approach it with an open mind. After having done that, he’s then careful to only provide extremely relevant and powerful arguments for his “new take” on the topic. That way, he provides details without overwhelming the audience.

Overall, these switches between “blowing up” and building provide a sense of balance in Sinek’s speech. In your own speeches, aim for a similar balance for your audience. Keep in mind that you’re there to educate but not berate with a ton of new ideas. It sounds simplistic, but staying consistent and on-point is key if you want your audience to leave inspired to act. 

Simon T. Bailey: To Break Through, Find Your True Calling (2017)

Number nine of our motivational speech examples is a 2017 speech from Simon T. Bailey. If you’re a regular SpeakerFlow blog reader, you already know there are many reasons Bailey is legendary among professional speakers. For one thing, his personal branding and digital presence are two of the best in the speaking industry. For another, his humility is seemingly endless despite his success, a trait that’s perhaps best summarized in his book, Success Is An Inside Job : “Success is not significance. Money is not meaning. Power isn’t purpose.”

In this speech, we see this idea reinforced through the third thing that sets Bailey apart, namely his speaking skills. Because he’s talking to a business-oriented crowd, in many ways, this skill isn’t immediately apparent. Truthfully, the first part of his speech is traditional. While it’s undeniably engaging, it’s sometimes a little hard to see why he’s such a renowned orator. 

Then he digs deeper. After his initial “traditional” approach, Bailey pivots to a creative angle, explaining how to “invent your future” and be unconventional in simple ways to slowly change your mindset. He then goes on to incorporate topics like emotional equity and commitment, love and respect as universally important values, and his trip to South Africa to “get free.” Combine this surprising switch from “conventional” to “creative” with Bailey’s optimistic tone, and you can almost feel the audience connecting with him. 

To create the same atmosphere on your own stage, aim for a similar element of surprise. Remember that you’re there to speak for more than a few minutes. Consequently, building up to a powerful ending is crucial, even if that means starting slow. 

Matthew McConaughey: Commencement Speech at University of Houston (2018)

Last but not least in our motivational speech examples list is a 2018 commencement, delivered by Matthew McConaughey. 

As an actor, McConaughey has arguably delivered motivational speeches in almost all of his movie appearances. In fact, whether it’s The Lincoln Lawyer , Mud , We Are Marshall, or Dallas Buyers Club , one of his best tricks as an actor is to take each of his characters by the horns and deliver a rousing speech at a critical point in the film.

Outside of the big screen, however, McConaughey’s commencement address for the University of Houston reflects similar confidence and power, in his words, his clothing, and his body language. As a well-known celebrity, this isn’t entirely surprising, especially considering his famously “swoon-worthy” movie persona. 

That said, when he gets to the heart of the matter, McConaughey dives well beneath the surface. His pointed words about motivation, success, and life being both tough and unfair are striking in a way you don’t always hear from celebrity speakers. He may begin with platitudes and stereotypes. But, the more he explains, the more intimate the speech gets. This makes it more memorable than even his best movie speeches.

So, what can you take away from McConaughey’s speech? Simply put, whenever you’re trying to put your best foot forward, whether you’re on stage or just walking down the street, remember that being memorable doesn’t require heels or a suit. For McConaughey, who here rocks a beard and open-collared dress shirt, it’s his words that make people pay attention, not a flashy outfit or dramatic entrance. 

Likewise, in your own life, the same can be true. Just speak with confidence and conviction, and no matter how you look or what you’re wearing, people will listen. 💖

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Jim Carrey is a very cool person! Every time he’s smiling with charming look, His speech is also very motivating! Thanks for sharing with us,

Agreed! It’s hard to look away when Carrey’s on stage or on camera, for sure. (And thanks for reading! 😊)

Usually, I am not doing comments anyone but it’s interesting, I really feel better to hear this.keep it up.

Glad you found these speeches inspiring, and thanks for the kind words! 🙌

You really don’t need to change the world, you just need to master your own self, align your values, your personality, and your purpose to your vision. That’s the core of making for a better world.

Well said! 🙌

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16 Inspirational Speeches for Career and Life Lessons (+ Speaker Traits)

Erika Giles | July 9, 2020 | Inspiration | 11 min read

The Most Inspirational Speeches of All Time

• 1.  J.K. Rowling – Harvard University
• 2.  Jim Carrey – Maharishi University
• 3.  Steve Jobs – Stanford University
• 4.  Al Pacino – Any Given Sunday
• 5.  Tony Robbins – TED Talk
• 6.  Will Smith – The Pursuit of Happiness
• 7.  Matthew McConaughey – University of Houston
• 8.  Sylvester Stallone – Rocky Balboa
• 9.  Denzel Washington – University of Pennsylvania
• 10.  Yoda – The Empire Strikes Back
• 11.   Elizabeth Gilbert – TED Talk, 2009
• 12.   Michelle Obama – Eastern Kentucky University
• 13.   David Goggins – Driven
• 14.   Peter Dinklage – Bennington College
• 15.   John Roberts – Cardigan Mountain School
• 16.  Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson - LA Lakers

Being motivated at work and in life is crucial for your performance. This is true when you have an approaching deadline, an important meeting, or customers depending on you.

The power of words can physically and emotionally rejuvenate you. Inspirational speeches can guide you to keep performing at your best and drive your team to achieve their goals . The right words at the right time can change you and challenge you.

No matter what is thrown at you in life, you can use these speeches to stay motivated. 

How Inspiration Impacts People

Inspiration helps propel people forward. It pushes apathy away and awakens people to new and exciting possibilities. They're able to transcend their limitations and mundane lives. 

It can help all people to become more creative and help them to progress toward their goals if they are open to it. 

Although inspiration impacts people in several meaningful and often magical ways, it is not something as elusive as it seems. Inspiration is everywhere, and it can be captured, activated, and manipulated. 

Most often, inspiration is found in others who say something or do something thought provoking and meaningful. 

What Makes a Speech Inspirational?

Great inspirational speeches all include one key thing – emotions . Emotions motivate actions and beliefs in any given aspect of life. Inspirational speeches are often loaded with tales of struggle, resilience, trials, endurance, and breakthroughs. All things that most people can relate to.

The philosopher, Aristotle, once said that people tend to believe in people who can be perceived as trustworthy or in those who have proper values and morals. This means that speakers who understand the concerns their audience has and empathizes with them are more likely to connect with their audience and gain their trust. 

Speakers who select emotional themes and talking points that people can relate to are more likely to inspire those in the audience with their stories. 

The key to this is making others feel as though they aren’t alone, and that they too can overcome the roadblocks in their way because someone else has. Hope is one of the most powerful emotions that sparks inspiration. 

Next, comes an excellent oral delivery. Facial expressions, tone of voice, and appropriate pausing all help to make a speech that much more effective and inspirational. 

7 Qualities of the Best Motivational Speakers

Here are seven traits, qualities, and characteristics that some of the best motivational speakers have.

1. They Tell Great Stories.

The ability to tell a great story is one of the core qualities that a motivational speaker needs to help add value to the lives of listeners. Motivational speakers tell original stories to provide the audience with fresh and relevant information. 

More importantly, the best motivational speakers paint a picture that lets the audience put themselves into the story so they can feel the emotions to understand the lesson better. 

2. They Are Passionate About What They Do.

Great speakers are often passionate about wanting to change others for the better, and the amount of passion a speaker has translates into their presentation. The audience can tell when a speaker is passionate about their subject matter because it will reflect in the speaker’s enthusiasm and excitement when they perform. 

Passion is infectious, and when a great speaker is passionate, it inspires the audience to cultivate passion as well. 

3. They Are Confident.

It is essential that motivational speakers have confidence in themselves and in their message.

Audience members can tell when speakers are nervous or unsure about what they are doing or saying. This automatically causes the audience to doubt the speaker, and it may invalidate the message. 

Great speakers have confidence that reflects in their speech and gestures while they are on stage, which in turn inspires confidence in the audience. It helps to engage them and makes them believe in what the speaker is saying. 

4. They Are Self-Aware.

A great motivational speaker understands who they are and knows exactly what they stand for. They are also aware of their strengths and weaknesses.

They use their strengths to make a speech more effective, and they work on improving their weaknesses.

5. They Show Empathy.

A defining mark of a great motivational speaker is their ability to put themselves in the shoes of those in their audience. They do their best to understand their audience’s motivation, fears, hopes, challenges, and worries. 

This helps them tailor their speech to appeal to and inspire their audience. Empathetic speakers are also individuals who have gone through what they talk about. 

They have been where the audience is, and they understand what that is like, which helps make a pure connection with them.

6. They Possess Knowledge.

Any motivational speaker must remain up to date and knowledgeable in their area of expertise. Motivational speakers aren’t born; they are made.

This means that they must grow and learn to become an expert with great knowledge and insight to share with others. 

7. They Have a Sense of Humor.

Motivational speeches tend to discuss serious topics, and great speakers know how to add fun anecdotes or jokes when it is appropriate to do so. 

Humor often makes a speech more memorable. Plus, it enthralls listeners, and everyone likes someone with a good sense of humor. 

16 of the Best Inspirational Speeches of All Time

We all need some inspiration from time to time. If you are in need of inspiration, look no further than these 16 best inspirational speeches of all time. 

1. J.K. Rowling – Harvard University

It's well known that J.K. Rowling's famous Harry Potter series was turned down by several publishers before it was finally accepted. But before her success, she was in a dire situation and was on the brink of bankruptcy.

Despite constant rejection, she kept trying and finally her efforts paid off. Her Harvard speech delivered some valuable life lessons about not fearing failure and persevering no matter how bad things get.

2. Jim Carrey – Maharishi University 

Actor/comedian Jim Carrey gave one of the most unique and emotional commencement speeches ever at Maharishi University in Iowa.

In his speech , he offered the students powerful and inspiring words about life, the future, and urged them never to settle for anything less than what they want. His message: Never give up and follow your dreams!

3. Steve Jobs – Stanford University 

This is one of the greatest inspirational speeches! In his commencement speech , Jobs discussed how he dropped out of college after six months, then took another 18 months to figure out what his life's work would be.

He quit college because his parents were struggling financially, and he couldn't see the value in an education that was draining his parents life savings.

His speech talked of the setbacks in life, including death, and how being aware of death can help you make better choices in life. At the time, Jobs was dying of pancreatic cancer, and his inspirational words on the importance of acquiring knowledge and following your dreams was the best life lesson he could bestow upon the graduates.

4. Al Pacino – Any Given Sunday

This movie features an inspirational speech about how even the simplest things can inch you closer to your dream.

Pacino's speech motivated the players on his football team to do whatever it takes to win. The takeaway? The little things you do every day will lead you to success.

5. Tony Robbins – TED Talk

Tony Robbins is one of the most famous motivational speakers around. This TED talk is particularly inspirational. It's topic, “Why We Do What We Do,” asks two key questions: What drives you? What motivates you to do your daily tasks?

By asking these questions, we're able to explore ourselves and appreciate others. The takeaway? We are our own path to success!

6. Will Smith – The Pursuit of Happiness

Considered one of the best motivational speeches in film, this scene starts with Smith and his son playing basketball. When his son shouts “I'm going pro,” Smith decides to try and temper his son's expectations, telling him he never excelled at basketball, so he shouldn't expect to.

His son is visibly disappointed, and Smith launches into his speech proclaiming, “Don't ever let somebody tell you that you can't do something, not even me.” He tells his son, “You got a dream, you gotta protect it. You want something, go get it. Period.”

The takeaway? Only you can decide to chase a dream. No one can stop you besides yourself. 

7. Matthew McConaughey – University of Houston

McConaughey delivered some pertinent points in his speech to the graduating class, but the one that really stuck out was "joy being a constant approach." He said, ”Joy is always in process; it's always under construction."

He spoke of how he takes everything one step at a time when he's making a film, and how when he truly enjoys his craft, things just fall into place. The takeaway? “Define success for yourself.” Figure out what you want to achieve and enjoy the entire journey.

8. Sylvester Stallone – Rocky Balboa

In the sixth film in the Rocky franchise, Stallone gives one of the most inspirational speeches of all time. He starts with, “The world ain't all sunshine and rainbows,” and goes on to talk about the value of hard work and commitment.

“It ain't about how hard you hit; it's about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward.” The takeaway? Even when your back is up against the wall, winners never give up!

9. Denzel Washington – University of Pennsylvania

In this commencement speech, Denzel Washington speaks about how nothing in life is worthwhile unless you take risks, adding that when you fall in life, fall forward . He speaks of embracing failure and using it as a chance to learn.

This is especially true when it comes to being an entrepreneur. The most important thing isn't winning or losing, it's getting out there and giving it everything you've got!

10. Yoda – The Empire Strikes Back

Ok, you can't have a list of inspirational speeches without at least one offering from Yoda!

In this speech from Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back , Yoda is teaching Luke about the ways of the force. The key teaching? Whether or not something can or can't be done is all in your head and your heart. If you believe in yourself, anything is possible!

The takeaway? In the words of Yoda, “Do or do not. There is no try.”

11. Elizabeth Gilbert – Ted Talk

Elizabeth Gilbert, the author of the bestselling book Eat, Pray, Love , gave an inspiring Ted Talk about the "genius" in all of us.

In her speech, she mentions that everyone can be a creative genius in their work and that the best years of our work and creativity are never behind us if we think of creative genius as something we borrow. 

The key takeaways from Gilbert's speech are to not be daunted or afraid of success. Just keep showing up and doing the work that you love without the anguish of what it will turn into. 

12. Michelle Obama – Eastern Kentucky University

In 2013, Michelle Obama addressed the graduating class of Eastern Kentucky University. She encouraged them to continue learning to challenge their perspectives, and she told them to find a way to turn their weaknesses into strengths. 

The key takeaway from her speech is that the defining moments in your life will not be the moment you get the promotion or breakthrough to a classroom. They will be the days that you have to claw through to keep going.

As long as you keep working and pick yourself up when you fall down, then you will develop skills to apply to anything you do in life. And your resilience can be used in service to others. 

13. David Goggins – Driven

David Goggins is a former Navy Seal and Army Ranger who participates in ultra-marathons. In his talk, he discusses suffering and how you can turn hurt into strength. He talks about how you can still be successful and happy without guidance if you just stay true to who you are because you define greatness. 

The takeaway from Goggins' talk is that we all have greatness no matter what. You just have to find the courage through hard work and discipline. 

14. Peter Dinklage – Bennington College

Peter Dinklage is an actor who is known for his role as Tyrion Lannister on Game of Thrones . He gave the 2012 commencement address at Bennington College.

In his address to the graduates, he discusses persistence and doing whatever it takes to get to where you want to be. He also mentions that you shouldn't wait until you are ready to do what you love. 

The key lesson from his speech was to give yourself permission to fail early instead of waiting for permission. Show the world you're ready by doing it. 

15. John Roberts – Cardigan Mountain School

John Roberts, Chief Justice of the United States, gave the commencement address at his son's high school in 2017. In his speech, he wishes the graduates bad luck instead of good luck.

He tells them that he hopes they will be lonely, fail, and lose from time to time. He says all of this to say that these things are the greatest teachers of compassion, true friendship, and sportsmanship. 

The key takeaway from Roberts' speech is that there is always a message in your misfortunes, and you should not be afraid to fail. If you fail, you should get up and try again. 

16. Dwyane "The Rock" Johnson - LA Lakers

Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, tenured WWE superstar & mega Hollywood performer, gave an incredible speech to the Los Angeles Lakers in 2019.

He speaks from the heart, about remembering where you came from, and letting that fuel the hard work you will put in to become successful. 

Per usual, pure gold from Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson.

These 16 inspirational speeches touch on three main themes. It's important to love what you're doing. Failure is only bad if you don't learn and continue to move forward. And finally, you need to want it!

Life is hard. If you want something bad enough, whether it's a job, a relationship, or a successful business, you need to prove it!

General FAQ

An inspirational speech will create a positive emotional experience for the audience that will resonate with them. Similarly, a motivational speech can inspire an audience by motivating them to take action on something.

What Are the Qualities of an Inspirational Speaker?

To be a great inspirational speaker, you should have:

• A strong speaking voice
• A good story to tell

How Do You Write an Inspirational Speech?

It's important to know who your audience is and what your message is going to be when writing an inspirational speech. Use should also employ storytelling techniques to evoke emotion into your speech.

Who Is the Most Motivational Speaker in the World?

It is often said that Tony Robbins is the most motivational speaker. Tony Robbins is known best for his TED talks and self-help books.

Erika Giles

Erika is a Marketing Copywriter at Bluleadz. She is a huge fan of houseplants and podcasts about conspiracy theories. She spends most of her free time reading, writing, and enjoying the outdoors.

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Get Motivated: 10 Motivational Speeches That Will Change Your Life

Motivation only gets you so far. Try ProjectManager and get award-winning PM tools that can turn motivation into results. It's free for 30 days.

As professionals with targets, projects to manage and bills to pay, we must perform, whether it’s the beginning of the week or the exhausting end of a long, hard one. And it’s precisely when times get tough that a good motivational speech is most beneficial, inspiring us to clear any psychological and physical hurdles that are keeping us from our goals.

What’s amazing about people is, that despite the external forces at play on our constitution, we can always be influenced by attitude. If your coworkers or managers can motivate you, suddenly that hidden resource is tapped, and you’re ready to get up and go again with renewed energy and focus.

Leaders can motivate and inspire through communication . Great leaders are charismatic and articulate, and they use these attributes to rally the troops. You’ve probably heard or read some of those famous speeches that have helped people at their lowest reach for the highest aspirations.

The following is a collection of some of our favorite motivational speeches, chock-full of inspirational words, sure to motivate you when you need it most.

Barack Obama, DNC Speech, 2004

Before Barack Obama became the first African-American President of the United States, when he was little known outside the grassroots activist community in Chicago, he was given a national platform as the keynote speaker at the Democratic National Convention in 2004. He acknowledged what everyone was likely thinking and how surprising it was for him to be addressing the audience at the convention. But he started by stating his roots, which were not dissimilar from other Americans, who constitute, after all, a nation of immigrants. He infused the audience, nation and even the world with a sense of hope for the future. After this speech, he continued to connect with people and motivate them to elect him four years later to the highest office in the land.

Related: How to Manage Better with Transformational Leadership

Jim Carrey, Commencement Address, Maharishi University, 2014

From the sublime to the ridiculous, even comic actors like Jim Carrey can find inspirational words to motivate. At this point in his successful career, Carrey moved from celluloid buffoon to philosophic guru. That change was first on display at this speech for the graduates of Maharishi University in 2014. He told these future managers that they should never settle for less than what they want. He illustrated this by talking about his father, who could have been a comedian but chose the safe route of accounting—a job he eventually lost. That life lesson wasn’t lost on Carrey, who saved the world from one more accountant.

Related: The 25 Most Inspiring Leadership Quotes

Steve Jobs, Commencement Speech, Stanford, 2005

Commencements tend to bring out the motivational speeches, and who would expect any less than the best from Apple CEO Steve Jobs. The man who inspired a company to become one of the most successful in world history, and who motivated people to want his products with a zealousness almost unheard of, was the go-to guy for rich insights. At this speech at Stanford, he tells three stories: the first is about dropping out of Reed College, which he said was the best decision of his life. That led to the creation of a company he loved and built up, only to later get fired from. But that dismissal leads to Apple. Finally, he spoke of being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. These challenges, any of which could have sent another spiraling to the depths of despair, taught him to become more resilient and fight harder for what he wanted.

Related: 10 Strategies to Motivate Your Team

Al Pacino, Any Given Sunday

Speeches are fiction of a sort, so it’s not surprising that some of the most inspirational speeches can be found in the arts. The football film, Any Given Sunday , is a perfect example. What’s more cliché than the coach inspiring the team to get back on the field and win after being humiliated? But not every coach is as motivating as Al Pacino. When he delivers what has become the “The Little Things You Do Daily Matter” speech on the importance of working together, the actor and script combine to create something bigger than both.

Related: 10 Consistency Quotes to Help You Keep Going

Bill Gates, Commencement Speech, Harvard, 2007

Surprisingly funny and insightful, Microsoft founder Bill Gates’ Harvard commencement address shows a side of the successful entrepreneur that might not have been visible through the glare of fame and fortune. He is probably Harvard’s most famous dropout, but he acknowledged that the university’s environment of energy and intelligence was inspiring. He noted that education is important but so is knowing the wider world.

J.K. Rowling, Commencement Speech, Harvard, 2008

Harvard has the pull to get Bill Gates, sure, but J.K. Rowling, too? Yes! The Harry Potter author uses inspiring words to offer lessons she learned late and wished others had told her earlier. Rowling was a poor, single mother before her writing shot her into the financial stratosphere, but she doesn’t romanticize poverty.  Beyond the humiliation and depression of being poor, she feared failure, and yet it was a failure that gave her the lessons she needed to succeed. That might be unexpected, but it’s also motivating. Who doesn’t have experience with failure? And we can all succeed.

David Foster Wallace, Commencement Speech, Kenyon College, 2005

Regardless of whether you ever finished his famous tome Infinite Jest , the writer David Foster Wallace was smart, troubled and often densely convoluted. But he could be plainspoken and was at his best in this commencement speech, published as This Is Water . He opens young minds in this speech to the fact that as educated as they might be, they can still hold a closed mind. Such narrow thinking puts us out of perspective and falsely tells us we’re the center of the universe. We’re not, and worse, by thinking this way we lose sight to the interconnectedness of the world. We’re all in it together. How’s that for motivating you to do good?

Brené Brown, the Power of Vulnerability, 2014

Brown is a researcher whose speech on the power of vulnerability is excerpted in this animated video. Vulnerability is not often a topic that inspires and motivates people. We’re all too familiar with being vulnerable. But Brown notes that it’s the fear of failure or of not being good enough that makes us put up walls. These boundaries make it hard to connect with others. But it is by connecting with a larger whole that we can achieve our greatest good and see our own worth reflected in the product of our collaborative process. Empathy is a choice. Make it.

Related: Teamwork Quotes: The 25 Best Quotes About Working Together

Sheryl Sandberg, Harvard Business School Class Day, 2012

In this famous speech that launched the Lean In movement, Facebook exec Sheryl Sandberg deconstructs the idea of the career ladder. She is more interested in opportunities that can make an impact rather than titles. The linear path as a plan might work for some, but it can become too rigid and leave people on the sidelines, missing the real exciting stuff that doesn’t follow a set plan. She also throws away the traditional wisdom that says successful people are not emotional. She’s all about passion and sometimes that emotion is going to come out strongly. You don’t want to become an automaton.

Oprah Winfrey, Commencement Address, Stanford, 2008

Oprah motivates daily. If you’ve ever seen her TV show, then you’ve seen how she can whip up an audience. She does that and more with these inspiring words for the Stanford class of 2008. She knows that the personal touch is the most impactful and shares moving incidents from her life, including her feelings, failures and happiness. The bottom line is that even a success as massive as Oprah’s came with its share of heartaches. You must persevere.

Turn Motivation Into Results with ProjectManager

You’re motivated. Now what? It’s time to take the creative energy and put it to work. Get productive with ProjectManager. ProjectManager. is an online work management tool that can help you and your team accomplish your goals, no matter how lofty.

You’re ready to work and ProjectManager is here to help. Start with your idea and break it down into small tasks that will get you there. Those tasks can be set up in the task list view, which has due dates, room for comments and attachments—everything you need to take control of your work.

If you want to get really productive, then you’ll want to get others to help. ProjectManager has a collaborative platform that makes teams work better together. You can stay in contact with anyone on your team, and get valuable feedback from them. Two heads are better than one!

There’s even a kanban board view, which is a way to visualize your workflow and easily get organized. The board is broken down into columns and cards. The columns are stages and the cards are tasks. As you work on your tasks, you simply move the cards from column to column until it’s done. It’s so easy!

Kanban boards help with transparency, too, so you know where everything is in terms of production. Because you’re working on one card or task at a time, it also helps to keep you focused on what you’re doing. ProjectManager helps you manage workflow to avoid bottlenecks and turn that motivation into results.

Motivated? Now that you’re ready to take over the world, you’ll need the right tools to turn that inspiration into success. ProjectManager is a project management software that is cloud-based, so you get real-time data to make accurate decisions. Get motivated and try it out with this free 30-day trial .

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NEVER GIVE UP The Power of Persistence - Motivational Speech Daily Motivational Positivity

Your daily dose of Motivation - Inspiration and Affirmation brings you another empowering episode filled with motivational speeches, insightful life advice, and uplifting affirmations. Tune-in to fuel your day with positivity and inspiration as we explore ways to boost your motivation and achieve your goals. Join us on this journey of personal growth, and empowerment as we share strategies to overcome challenges and live a more fulfilling life. | DAILY MOTIVATIONAL POSITIVITY |

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Speech Script: Motivational Speech

A motivational speech has the power to uplift, inspire, and ignite positive change in the hearts and minds of listeners. Whether you are speaking to a small group or a large audience, the art of delivering a motivational speech requires careful planning, effective communication, and a genuine connection with your audience. In this article, we will explore a step-by-step guide on how to write a motivational speech that resonates with your audience, leaves a lasting impact, and empowers individuals to take action towards their goals.

Table of Contents

Motivational Speech Tips

Understand your audience.

Before you begin crafting your motivational speech, it is crucial to understand your audience. Take the time to research and analyze their demographics, interests, and needs. Consider their aspirations, challenges, and the common experiences they share. This knowledge will help you tailor your message to resonate deeply with your listeners.

Define Your Purpose and Core Message

Every motivational speech should have a clear purpose and core message. Ask yourself: What do I want my audience to feel, think, or do after hearing my speech? Identify the main idea or theme you wish to convey. Whether it is to inspire action, instill self-belief, or encourage personal growth, having a well-defined purpose will guide your speech writing process.

Start Strong with a Compelling Opening

The opening of your speech sets the tone and captures the attention of your audience. Begin with a strong hook that grabs their interest, such as a captivating story, a thought-provoking question, or a powerful quote. Engage their emotions and create a connection from the very beginning.

Share Personal Stories and Examples

Personal stories and examples are powerful tools to connect with your audience on a deeper level. Share your own experiences, struggles, and triumphs that relate to the core message of your speech. Authenticity and vulnerability will resonate with your listeners and make your message more relatable.

Use Vivid Imagery and Metaphors

Paint a vivid picture in the minds of your audience by using descriptive language, vivid imagery, and metaphors. This helps to create a sensory experience, making your message more memorable and impactful. Metaphors can simplify complex concepts and make them easier to grasp, enhancing the overall understanding and retention of your ideas.

Provide Actionable Steps and Practical Advice

To make your motivational speech actionable and meaningful, equip your audience with practical advice and actionable steps they can implement in their lives. Break down complex ideas into manageable tasks, offering guidance and strategies to overcome challenges and achieve their goals. Inspire them to take immediate action and empower them with the tools they need to succeed.

Utilize Rhetorical Devices

Rhetorical devices such as repetition, parallelism, and rhetorical questions can add emphasis, rhythm, and impact to your speech. They create memorable phrases, highlight key points, and engage your audience on a deeper level. However, use them sparingly and purposefully to avoid overwhelming your listeners.

Build Emotional Connection and Empathy

Emotions have a profound impact on human behavior. To make your motivational speech truly powerful, connect with your audience on an emotional level. Show empathy, understanding, and compassion. Acknowledge their struggles and challenges, and uplift them with words of encouragement and support. By creating an emotional bond, you can inspire them to believe in themselves and take action.

Use Powerful Concluding Remarks

The conclusion of your speech should leave a lasting impact on your audience. Summarize your main points, restate your core message, and end with a memorable call to action or a thought-provoking statement. Leave your audience with a sense of empowerment, motivation, and a desire to implement the lessons they have learned.

Practice, Refine, and Deliver with Confidence

Once you have written your motivational speech, practice it repeatedly. Pay attention to your tone, pacing, and body language. Use gestures and facial expressions to enhance your message. Seek feedback from trusted individuals and make necessary refinements. On the day of your speech, approach the stage with confidence, enthusiasm, and a genuine desire to inspire and uplift your audience.

Motivational Speech Example #1

Ladies and gentlemen, distinguished guests, and fellow dreamers,

Today, I stand before you to share a message of inspiration, empowerment, and limitless possibilities. Each one of us possesses within us a reservoir of untapped potential, waiting to be unleashed. It is my purpose here today to ignite that flame, to awaken the dormant dreams and aspirations that reside within your hearts.

Life is a journey filled with ups and downs, challenges and triumphs. It is easy to get caught up in the whirlwind of daily routines, responsibilities, and societal expectations. But I am here to remind you that you are more than just the roles you play or the titles you hold. You are unique, extraordinary beings with the power to create the life you desire.

In this moment, I invite you to close your eyes and envision your greatest aspirations. Picture your dreams as vividly as possible. Feel the exhilaration that comes with achieving what you desire most. Now, open your eyes and realize that these dreams are not mere figments of your imagination—they are your birthright, waiting to be claimed.

But let me be honest with you. The path to achieving your dreams may not always be smooth. There will be obstacles and setbacks along the way. You may face self-doubt, criticism from others, and moments of despair. Yet, it is during these challenging times that your true strength and resilience are revealed.

Remember, my friends, that failure is not the end but merely a stepping stone towards success. Embrace your failures as opportunities for growth and learning. Let them fuel your determination and ignite the fire within you to keep pushing forward. As Thomas Edison once said, “I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.”

Believe in yourself, even when others doubt you. Surround yourself with individuals who uplift and support you, who see your potential even when you may not see it yourself. Seek out mentors and role models who have walked the path before you, and learn from their experiences. Remember, success is not a solo journey—it is a collective effort.

Embrace the power of gratitude and positivity. Cultivate a mindset of abundance, knowing that there is enough success, love, and happiness for everyone. Celebrate the achievements of others, for their success does not diminish your own. Your journey is unique, and comparing yourself to others only hinders your progress.

My dear friends, the world needs your unique gifts, talents, and perspectives. You have a purpose—a calling that only you can fulfill. Do not let fear or self-doubt hold you back. Take that leap of faith, step out of your comfort zone, and embrace the unknown. For it is in the realm of uncertainty that miracles happen, and greatness is achieved.

As you embark on this journey, remember to take care of yourself. Nurture your mind, body, and soul. Surround yourself with positivity, practice self-care, and prioritize your well-being. Remember that success without fulfillment is an empty achievement. Find joy in the journey, and let your passion be the driving force behind your actions.

In conclusion, my fellow dreamers, I challenge you to rise above mediocrity, to step into your greatness, and to live a life that inspires others. Believe in the power of your dreams, for they hold the key to your ultimate fulfillment. Embrace the challenges, persevere through the setbacks, and never lose sight of the incredible potential that resides within you.

Together, let us create a world filled with individuals who have embraced their greatness, who have dared to dream big, and who have made a positive impact on the lives of others. Let us be the catalysts of change, the beacons of light in a world that often seems dim.

Believe in yourself. Believe in your dreams. And let us embark on this journey of limitless possibilities—together.

Thank you, and may your journey be filled with boundless inspiration and unwavering determination.

Motivational Speech Example #2

Ladies and gentlemen, esteemed guests, and fellow seekers of greatness,

Today, I stand before you as a messenger of possibility, armed with words that have the power to ignite the fire within your souls. I am here to remind you that deep within you lies an unyielding reservoir of strength, courage, and untapped potential. Today, I implore you to awaken that dormant force and unleash it upon the world.

Life is not meant to be a mere existence. It is meant to be a grand adventure, a journey of self-discovery and personal growth. Yet, it is easy to fall into the trap of complacency, to settle for a life that is comfortable but unfulfilling. I urge you to break free from those chains of mediocrity, to dare to dream and pursue a life that sets your soul ablaze.

Understand that the journey to greatness is not an easy path. It requires perseverance, resilience, and an unwavering belief in your own capabilities. There will be obstacles in your way, naysayers who question your abilities, and moments of self-doubt that threaten to derail your progress. But remember this: the greatest triumphs often arise from the ashes of our toughest battles.

Embrace failure as a stepping stone to success. Each setback is an opportunity to learn, to grow, and to refine your approach. Do not let fear of failure paralyze you; instead, let it fuel your determination to rise above adversity and emerge stronger than before. As Winston Churchill once said, “Success is not final, failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts.”

Believe in the power of your dreams, for they are the compass that will guide you towards your true purpose. Cultivate a crystal-clear vision of what you desire to achieve, and let that vision be the driving force behind your actions. Visualize yourself standing at the pinnacle of success, and let that image propel you forward, even when the path seems arduous.

Surround yourself with a tribe of dreamers and doers, individuals who see your potential and lift you higher. Seek out mentors who inspire and challenge you to reach new heights. Remember, you are the average of the five people you spend the most time with, so choose your inner circle wisely. Together, you can create a symphony of success, each contributing their unique talents and strengths.

In the pursuit of greatness, it is essential to remain steadfast in the face of adversity. Let perseverance be your guiding light, and let determination be your fuel. When the world tells you that your dreams are impossible, let that be the catalyst that propels you forward. Embrace the discomfort of growth, for it is through challenges that we discover our true capabilities.

But amidst the pursuit of your dreams, do not forget the importance of compassion and empathy. Lift others as you rise, for true success is not measured solely by personal achievements, but by the positive impact we have on the lives of others. Leave a legacy of kindness, generosity, and inspiration in your wake, for the true measure of greatness lies in the hearts you touch along the way.

In conclusion, my fellow seekers of greatness, I urge you to seize this moment, to embrace the boundless potential that resides within you. The world is waiting for your unique gifts, your passions, and your contributions. Do not shrink back in the face of adversity, but rather, rise above it and let your light shine brightly.

Believe in yourself, for you are capable of more than you can ever imagine. Embrace the challenges, persist in the face of setbacks, and never lose sight of the extraordinary person you are becoming. Let your journey be a testament to the power of the human spirit, an inspiration to all who witness your unwavering determination.

It is time to unleash your greatness, to chase your dreams with unrelenting fervor, and to create a life that leaves a lasting impact. The world is waiting, my friends. So go forth, with courage in your hearts and fire in your souls, and let your motivational roar be heard in every corner of this earth.

Thank you, and may your journey be filled with unwavering belief, audacious dreams, and infinite possibilities.

Motivational Speech Example #3

Dear friends, dreamers, and believers,

Today, I stand before you to remind you of the incredible power that resides within each and every one of you. We are living in a time of boundless opportunities, where the only limits that exist are the ones we impose upon ourselves. It is my mission to inspire you to break free from those self-imposed limitations and embrace the extraordinary life that awaits you.

Life is a precious gift, a tapestry of moments and experiences that shape us into who we are meant to become. Each day is an opportunity to paint your own masterpiece, to sculpt your own path, and to create a legacy that will inspire generations to come. But to do so, you must first believe in your own potential.

Belief is the cornerstone of achievement. It is the unwavering faith that you have what it takes to overcome any obstacle and reach for the stars. Believe in your talents, your abilities, and the unique gifts that you bring to this world. Embrace the truth that you are here for a reason, that your dreams are not mere fantasies but a roadmap to your destiny.

But belief alone is not enough. It must be accompanied by action. Dreams without action are like birds without wings—they may soar in your mind, but they will never take flight. Take that first step, no matter how small or daunting it may seem. Break down your goals into manageable tasks and commit to taking consistent action towards their realization.

Embrace the power of resilience. Know that setbacks are not failures but opportunities to learn and grow. When faced with adversity, rise above it with unwavering determination. Let your setbacks become the stepping stones that propel you forward. Remember, the greatest success stories are often born from the ashes of perceived failure.

Surround yourself with a tribe of like-minded individuals who uplift and inspire you. Seek out mentors and role models who have walked the path before you. Learn from their wisdom, their mistakes, and their triumphs. Remember that success is not a solitary journey—it is a collective effort. Together, we can achieve far more than we ever could alone.

Embrace the unknown and step outside of your comfort zone. Growth lies in the realm of uncertainty. Take risks, try new things, and embrace failure as a necessary part of the journey. As J.K. Rowling once said, “It is impossible to live without failing at something, unless you live so cautiously that you might as well not have lived at all.”

Remember to nourish your mind, body, and spirit. Take care of yourself, for you are the vehicle through which your dreams will be realized. Prioritize self-care, cultivate healthy habits, and surround yourself with positivity. Fill your mind with empowering thoughts, feed your body with nourishing food, and let your spirit be fueled by gratitude and joy.

And above all, never forget the power of perseverance. Success rarely comes overnight. It is the result of countless hours of dedication, hard work, and unwavering commitment. When you feel like giving up, remind yourself of why you started. Let your passion be the driving force that propels you forward, even when the road ahead seems long and arduous.

In conclusion, my dear friends, I urge you to seize this moment. Embrace the power within you, believe in your dreams, and take inspired action. The world is waiting for your unique contributions, your creativity, and your passion. Embrace the journey of self-discovery, unleash your potential, and create a life that is filled with purpose, joy, and fulfillment.

You have the power to make a difference, to leave a lasting impact on the world. Believe in yourself, trust in your abilities, and know that the journey may be challenging, but the rewards are immeasurable. Embrace the adventure that lies ahead, and let your motivational spirit shine brightly for all to see.

Thank you, and may your path be illuminated by the fire of your dreams and the unwavering belief in your own greatness.

Final Thoughts

Crafting a motivational speech is an art that requires careful thought, preparation, and a deep understanding of your audience. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can create a speech that resonates with your listeners, ignites positive change, and inspires them to reach their full potential. Remember, a well-crafted motivational speech has the power to transform lives, instill belief, and create a ripple effect of positivity in the world. So, go forth, share your message, and empower others to embrace their greatness.

About Mr. Greg

Mr. Greg is an English teacher from Edinburgh, Scotland, currently based in Hong Kong. He has over 5 years teaching experience and recently completed his PGCE at the University of Essex Online. In 2013, he graduated from Edinburgh Napier University with a BEng(Hons) in Computing, with a focus on social media.

Mr. Greg’s English Cloud was created in 2020 during the pandemic, aiming to provide students and parents with resources to help facilitate their learning at home.

Whatsapp: +85259609792

[email protected]

DON'T GIVE UP - 2024 Motivational Speech

About this episode.

DON'T GIVE UP! Life is hard and hustling to get to your dreams is harder but don't you dare give up. It's time for dedication, it's time for hard work, it's time to prove to yourself and everyone who ever doubted you that you will make it happen no matter what! Now, get to work.

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TIME TO CHANGE YOUR LIFE - Best Motivational Speech for Success and Studying

STUDY LIKE A BEAST - Best Motivational Speeches Compilation for Students, Success & Studying

LISTEN TO THIS EVERY NIGHT - "I AM" Affirmations for Success, Studying and Good Grades

BECOME OBSESSED WITH SUCCESS - 2024 Motivation

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20 Inspiring Award Ceremony Acceptance Speeches

Awards shows easily intrigue us with their glamour. However, often it's the inspirational speeches from winners that resonate with audiences most.

​​​​​​With award season upon us once again, there's already been plenty of excitement and fanfare around. The buzz about the upcoming Academy Awards is starting, and we've already been treated to all the thrills of this year's Golden Globes and have the Primetime Emmys around the corner.

For the cinephiles for whom movies and series are not just entertainment but an art form, awards season is one of the most exciting times of the year. Over the years, major awards shows like the Academy Awards, Golden Globes, Primetime Emmys, Critic's Choice Awards, and BAFTAs have given us some amazing and influential moments of triumph and vindication for the artists who gave their all to the performances honored by them.

Equally emotional at times have been their moments on stage as they delivered acceptance speeches that stuck out for how inspirational or moving they were. Some used the platform to speak about matters close to their heart, bring awareness to significant social causes, or to just express what an honor it was. With so many memorable acceptance speeches over the years, in no particular order, here's a look back at the 20 that we found most inspiring.

20 Joaquin Phoenix — Academy Award for Best Actor (2020)

When Joaquin Phoenix won the Best Actor Oscar for Joker, no one doubted that he deserved the award. The performance was exceptional and layered in so many unique ways that it brought out the character's darkest nuances with sublime skill.

Despite that, what stood out when he accepted his award was that he chose to make a speech about something far more important.

A Speech for All Humanity

There was an air of humility from the moment he began. His words acknowledged that more than all the material perks of being a star, it gave him the opportunity to be a voice for the voiceless. From there, Phoenix eloquently brought to light the on-going issue of climate change and how we should all care about it since it affects us all.

Stream Joker on Max

19 Tyler Perry — BET Award for Ultimate Icon (2019)

Tyler Perry has become one of the most powerful figures in Hollywood and built an empire in the process. He's often seen as an inspiration to people of color for his incredible achievements despite all the adversities he faced in life. In 2019 when he won an Icon Award at the BET Awards, his speech echoed all of these facts in a powerful way.

Related: How the Oscars Lost Cultural Relevance

Paving the Way

His speech started off with a story of how he helped a person selling sweets to cross the road. He then mentions how his first 10 movies were subconsciously for his mother, so she could feel seen and heard. In the same way, he passed a message to others that your skin color should never determine how much success a person can achieve.

18 Austin Butler — BAFTA for Best Actor (2023)

Read Our Review

Austin Butler's performance in Elvis was mesmerizing, and made it truly feel like the King had been brought back to life. Everything from his voice to his mannerisms and moves were perfectly executed and a true treat for fans of the legendary singer and actor.

Sweet and Heartfelt

When he won the BAFTA for that role, Butler's speech was truly heartfelt, since it conveyed a humility in deferring to the grandeur of the role. His tone captured this, as he thanked the people who helped him perfect the role.

As a sweet touch, he ended it by thanking the Presley family and acknowledging how they had helped him truly understand who Elvis really was from those who knew and loved him best.

Stream Elvis on Netflix

17 Brendan Fraser — Academy Award for Best Actor (2023)

2023's The Whale was a film that made waves for its bold subject and the brilliant manner it was executed. The crowning achievement for the film came when Brendan Fraser won the Oscar for Best Actor for his role in it. A veteran of the industry, he's famously faced some very hard times and was even blacklisted and shunned for years because he spoke out about it.

A Standing Ovation

When he delivered his speech, Fraser immediately received a standing ovation. The palpable emotion in the room echoed all he had gone through while remaining a beloved actor despite his much-publicized hardships in the industry. His words weren't anything particularly inspiring, but it was the pure joy and emotion in his tone that conveyed what a special moment it was and made it a truly inspiring one.

Stream The Whale on Paramount+

16 Eddie Redmayne — Academy Award for Best Actor (2015)

The theory of everything.

His performance in The Theory of Everything made everyone stand up and recognize definitively what a fantastic actor Eddie Redmayne is. His role as Stephen Hawking was exceptional, and he's rightly been held in the highest regard by fans and peers ever since.

A Bit of Everything

Redmayne's speech had a little bit of everything, including a moment when he looked at the Oscar in his hand and seemed almost overwhelmed at the fact that he was actually standing there having won one. While he made jokes and got the crowd laughing, he also very humbly dedicated his award to everyone struggling with ALS.

Rent The Theory of Everything on Apple TV+

15 Bong Joon Ho — Academy Award for Best Director (2020)

In 2020 the film Parasite put foreign movies in the spotlight as it won big at the Oscars. It's director, Bong Joon Ho gave a moving speech through a translator that resulted in a standing ovation in the middle of the speech. A memorable moment, it spoke of Ho's humility as he thanked every one of his film-making heroes, singling out one in particular.

Related: The Best Oscar Acceptance Speeches of All Time, Ranked

Nod to a Legend

While he mentioned other directors that inspired and helped him, Ho heaped praise on Martin Scorsese. He started by mentioning an inspiring quote about how most creative parts of us come from that which is personal, before pointing to the crowd and mentioning that those words came from the great Martin Scorsese. That sent the crowd into rapture as the entire room stood up to acknowledge the iconic director.

Stream Parasite on Max

14 Kate Winslet — Academy Award for Best Actress (2009)

Ever since her role in Titanic , Kate Winslet has rightly been regarded as one of the finest actors around. When she won the Best Actress Oscar for The Reader , her joy was inspiring, since it was plain for everyone to see how much it all still meant to her despite having been an A-lister for many years by that point.

Remembering to Feel Proud

While making a political point and standing up for causes were great, there was also nothing wrong with remembering to feel proud of the achievement either. Winslet's emotion was touching and as she recounted how she had practiced a version of this speech since she was eight-years-old, it was inspiring to hear how she had achieved her dreams all those years later.

Stream The Reader on Prime Video

13 Matthew McConaughey — Academy Award for Best Actor (2014)

Dallas buyers club.

When he won the Best Actor Award for Dallas Buyers Club, it was finally vindication for Matthew McConaughey as an actor, since he spent much of his early career being typecast and mostly adored for his physical features.

He's since gone on to cement that acceptance with other sterling performances that show what great range and depth he actually has. McConaughey's speech that night at the Oscars remains an inspiring one for many, since he chose to be bold and true to himself with it.

Acknowledging His Faith

Matthew McConaughey's beliefs as a Christian are well-known. However, when he got up on stage, knowing what a massive worldwide platform it was, he emphatically thanked God first for everything he was and had achieved.

Given that Hollywood politics has often been very harsh toward Christian beliefs because of how often it aligned with conservatism, for many Christians out there, McConaughey's speech was inspiring for how boldly he was willing to declare his faith, knowing it could lead to backlash.

A piece from Time Magazine aptly summed up why it was a big deal.

But there were some people who did care. They cared very, very much. Part of the reason people care is that award winners thanking God is far from common at the Oscars. According to the Daily Caller , God has been thanked just 14 times in 100 speeches over the last 30 years. In the last decade, according to Slate , God has been mentioned fewer times than Meryl Streep.

Rent Dallas Buyers Club on Prime Video

12 Chadwick Boseman — AFI Lifetime Achievement Award for Denzel Washington (2019)

When the late Chadwick Boseman delivered a speech for an AFI Lifetime Achievement Award for Denzel Washington, no better person could have been chosen to do it. Boseman owed his career to him and his emotional words perfectly echoed that humbling story.

An Offering from a Sage and a King

While recounting the story, Boseman jokingly referred to Washington as "the dopest" actor around but then also beautifully captured why his act of generosity had meant so much to his career and the cinematic world by extension.

The offering from a Sage and a King is more than silver and gold. It is a seed of hope, a bud of faith. There is no Black Panther without Denzel Washington!

11 Lupita Nyong'o — Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress (2014)

12 years a slave.

12 Years a Slave was a powerful film that provided a devastatingly brilliant portrayal of the horrors of slavery. It also provided some superb performances, and was an early glimpse of the amazing talent Lupita N yong'o possesses . Winning an Oscar for it was a remarkable achievement given that it was only her second film role.

Suffering for Success

Her speech for the award was filled with emotion but also very inspiring because it paid homage to those who suffered at the hands of slavery.

Related: Exclusive: Eddie Redmayne and A. R Rahman Go Behind the Oscars Speech

A topic that never loses relevance , Lupita's speech recognized the character she played and all she and others had to endure because of this dark period of human history.

Stream 12 Years a Slave on Fubo

10 Leonard DiCaprio — Academy Award for Best Actor (2016)

The revenant.

Prior to starring in The Revenant , the brilliant Leonardo DiCaprio was constantly known as one of the best actors to have never won an Oscar. When his moment finally came, there was a palpable air of joy in the room as one of the greatest living actors was finally recognized the way he fully deserved. Despite the long wait, he still used his platform to speak about what was really most dear to him.

A Win for the Environment

Fans of DiCaprio know that he's one of the most tireless supporters of the fight against climate change and an ardent environmental activist. Having waited so long to win an Oscar, he could have easily made his entire speech about himself. However, after thanking those who helped make the film such a success, he spent most of his speech bringing awareness to environmental issues, which showed a real touch of class on his part.

Rent The Revenant on Apple TV+

9 Taraji P. Henson — SAG Award for Cast in a Motion Picture (2017)

Hidden figures.

When the cast of Hidden Figures won a SAG Award for the poignant film in 2017, Taraji P. Henson delivered the acceptance speech on their behalf. Her moving words echoed the truth behind why it was such a powerful film and one that needed to be made so the women it featured could be recognized for their stunning achievements.

They Were Heroes

The film tells the true story of three brilliant female women of color who were mathematicians that helped put men into space. As Henson aptly mentions, they showed us how to reach the stars, and never complained about the horrific prejudice of their era, but chose instead to focus on solutions.

Stream Hidden Figures on Disney+

8 Denzel Washington —NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Actor (2017)

The great Denzel Washington isn't just an icon for his unbelievable talent. He's also one because of the role model he has been to entire generations of minorities. His sheer talent and screen presence has long since been changing lives with the way he chooses to act as a beacon of inspiration to others, something he did once again with this acceptance speech.

Inspiring the Next Generation

It was his 20th win at the NAACP Image Awards for that category. One would think by now he may even have become bored by constantly being honored. However, Denzel's iconic status has always been augmented by his deep understanding of how his success can be used to uplift others , and that this award show in particular meant so much to so many struggling minority actors who constantly felt overlooked by the industry.

Related: Academy Awards: Best Acceptance Speeches from the 2020s (So Far), Ranked

Using his words as wisely as ever, he paid homage to other amazing actors like Kerry Washington and Viola Davis and used them as an example to the next generation for why they should never give up on their dreams.

7 Michelle Yeoh — Academy Award for Best Actress (2023)

Everything everywhere all at once.

Michelle Yeoh's Best Actress win at the 2023 Oscars was a huge moment for diversity in the industry, since she became the first woman of Asian descent to ever win it. Everything Everywhere All at Once played to a ton of acclaim and was an entertaining movie. However, its greater significance came from how it shone a spotlight on Asian actors and their immense talent.

For the Little Boys and Girls

Michelle Yeoh was shaking with emotion as she delivered a speech steeped in poignancy and sentiment. She noted that the award was for "all the little boys and girls that look like me," using her achievement as a beacon for them to realize that their dreams can come true, no matter how many obstacles there may be.

Stream Everything Everywhere All at Once on Prime Video

6 Heath Ledger — Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor (2009)

The dark knight.

His tragic and untimely death sent shock waves around Hollywood and the world, but what made Heath Ledger's passing all the more sad was that his last role gave us an immortal performance . It isn't often that performances like his Joker in The Dark Knight come around. Scintillating and original, it set a high bar for comic book films.

A Bittersweet Moment

What made this acceptance speech stand out was that Heath had already passed on and was awarded the Oscar posthumously. In a fitting moment, it was his family that accepted the award for him and their kind and gracious words spoke only of humility that provided inspiring insight into how well he had been loved by those who knew him best. There was also gratitude that his talent was vindicated despite him no longer being around.

Stream The Dark Knight on Max

5 Viola Davis — Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Actress in a Drama Series (2015)

How to get away with murder.

While she'd been around a while, How to Get Away with Murder brought the exceptional talents of Viola Davis to the attention of a wider audience. Winning an Emmy for her role in it was a richly deserved honor since she's proven to be a brilliant actress with an amazing screen presence. Her speech that night echoed the struggle of many others, and she used her words powerfully to highlight that struggle.

Opportunity as a Barrier

A visibly emotional Davis delivered a moving speech that was also a devastating indictment on prejudice in the industry . It's better to see her words for themselves than to try and describe why they were so powerful.

And let me tell you something, the only thing that separates women of color from anyone else is opportunity. You cannot win an Emmy for roles that are simply not there.

Stream How to Get Away with Murder on Netflix

4 Ryan Gosling — Goldent Globe for Best Actor In a Comedy or Musical (2017)

When Ryan Gosling won this award, he was at the height of his fame as one of the most desired actors in the world. However, his looks aside, it was moments like this speech that cemented why his armies of fans truly admired him so much.

He Paid Tribute to His Lady

Ryan Gosling and Eva Mendes make a stunning couple but have been notoriously private about their personal lives. However, when he accepted the award, Gosling dedicated the speech to Eva Mendes , acknowledging the sacrifices she had made so that he could go off and make the film.

He mentioned that it was a time when she had been experiencing many personal struggles taking care of her brother who later passed away from cancer, and hailed her efforts for enduring that on her own so that he could commit to making La La Land .

Stream La La Land on Netflix

3 Ke Huy Quan — Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor (2023)

While most people knew him as the kid from Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom, Ke Huy Quan had a remarkable comeback when he won an Oscar for his role in Everything Everywhere All at Once. It was an inspiring achievement, and his emotion when he accepted the award spoke volumes about how much it meant to him.

Related: 10 Oscar Acceptance Speeches That Sparked Controversy

The American Dream

Delivering the speech in tears, Quan spoke about his time spent as a refugee for a year. He thanked his mother and mentioned how much it meant to them both. Given the immense obstacles he faced to get to where he was, Quan emphatically declared that he was an embodiment of the American Dream.

2 Marlon Brando — Academy Award for Best Actor (1972)

The godfather.

The film is considered a masterpiece and while it was one of the greatest performances in cinematic history, what made Marlon Brando's role in The Godfather even more memorable was how he chose to deal with his Oscar win for it. A moment that played a large part in celebrity activism culture, it made for an unforgettable speech at the ceremony.

No One Knew How to React

​​​​Long before the Academy Awards became synonymous with political statements, Brando made a massive one when he never even showed up to the ceremony. Instead, when he won, he sent a Native American actress and activist named Sacheen Littlefeather to regretfully refuse to accept the award.

She explained that the reason was his protest against the treatment of Native peoples in films and television. It was a shocking moment for its time and while most people saw the deeper meaning behind it and applauded, it was a sign of how different times were back then that some audience members actually booed Littlefeather.

Stream The Godfather on Fubo

1 Halle Berry — Academy Award for Best Actress (2002)

Monster's ball.

There weren't many Oscar moments as poignant or historical as this one in the long and illustrious history of the ceremony. When Halle Berry won the award for Best Actress for her hauntingly painful role in Monster's Ball , it meant far more than just being a victory for her.

Breaking Barriers

For a long time, there's been a dark shadow of prejudice that's hung over the glamor of Hollywood, especially against women and people of color. It has constantly been decried by the many brilliant artists who have been overlooked because of it.

The emotion when Halle accepted her award was overwhelming, and as she broke down to give her speech, her words were filled with emotion that harkened to that shadow, and resonated with significance.

As she put it, the award wasn't just for her but for every woman of color for whom it vindicated and opened doors, by her becoming the first black woman in history to ever win the award for that category. Unfortunately, her watershed moment has never been repeated since.

Stream Monster's Ball on The Roku Channel

21 Of The Most Iconic And Memorable Oscars Acceptance Speeches Of All Time

From the hilarious to the tear-jerkers, here's a list of the best speeches of all time.

Let's not forget that these are actors and therefore people who make money from being dramatic or creating drama for a living.

So, is it really any surprise that when these actors win the highest honour in their field, things get very intense very quickly?

From Gwyneth Paltrow sobbing in a pink princess dress to Michael Moore berating George Bush, in celebration of the 96th Academy Awards (March 10), let's take a look back at some of the most memorable Oscars speeches from throughout the years ...

The Most Empowering Oscars Speeches

Michelle yeoh - best actress in a leading role, 2023.

Michelle Yeoh became the first asian woman to win the Best Actress In A Leading Role accolade for her part in Everything Everywhere All at Once at the 95th Academy Awards.

In a rousing speech the 60 year-old star told the audience: 'Thank you for all the little boys and girls who look like me watching tonight, this is a beacon of hope and possibilities.'

Holding up her gold Oscar she exclaimed: 'This is proof that dream big and dreams do come true, and ladies, don’t let anybody tell you you’re past your prime.'

'This is history in the making,' Yeoh rightly said.

Ariana DeBose - Best Supporting Actress, 2022

West Side Story star Ariana DeBose gave an empowering and heartfelt speech when accepting her 'Best Supporting Actress' accolade at the 94th Academy Awards.

She spoke proudly of being an 'openly queer woman of colour' and told the audience 'there is indeed a place for us'.

Referring to her early days as a performer, she said: 'Imagine this little girl in the back seat of a white Ford Focus, look into her eyes.

'You see an openly queer woman of colour, an Afro-Latina, who found her strength in life through art. And that is, I think, what we’re here to celebrate.'

Trent Reznor, Atticus Ross and Jon Batiste - Best Original Score, 2021

Zendaya presented the trio with the Oscar for Best Original Score for their animated film Soul at the 93rd Oscars.

'You know what’s deep is God gave us 12 notes, it’s the same 12 notes that Duke Ellington had, that Bach had, Nina Simone,' Ross began.

'I want to point out that every gift is special. Every contribution with music that comes from the divine into the instruments into the film, into the minds, hearts and souls of every person who hears it, the stories that happen when you listen to it and watch it and the stories you share, the moments you make, the memories you create, man, it’s just so incredibly special. It’s just so incredibly special… we’re incredibly humbled and thankful. I’m thankful to God for those 12 notes.'

Lupita Nyong'o - Best Supporting Actress Oscars Speech, 2014

Nyong'o glided up to accept her award for her role in the harrowing Steve McQueen movie 12 Years A Slave, looking radiant wearing a Prada dress and headband which only added to the angelic nature of the speech. Nyong'o thanked McQueen and her co-stars so authentically before paying tribute to her brother and best friend and ending with a message to the audience, 'May this remind you that no matter where you are from, your dreams are valid.'

John Legend and Common - Best Original Song Oscars Speech, 2015

After a searing performance of their song 'Glory', which accompanied Ava DuVernay's Martin Luther King Jr. drama Selma , John Legend and Common took to the stage to accept their Oscar. The duo spoke about the parallels between the march for equal rights and justice acknowledged in the film and song and the people who continue fighting for their rights today. Legend used his platform to highlight the injustices in the American judicial system and urge for criminal justice reform.

Barry Jenkins and Tarell Alvin McCraney - Best Adapted Screenplay, 2017

The Moonlight director and writer gave an impassioned acceptance speech, encouraging young Black and LGBTQ+ people watching to have the confidence to tell their stories.

'This goes out to all those Black and brown boys and girls and non-gender conforming who don't see themselves, we're trying to show you, you and us. So thank you, this is for you,' said McCraney.

While Jenkins reminded viewers that the Academy and ACLU - America's biggest civil rights organisation - were there for them saying, 'All those people out there who feel like there's no mirror for you and your life is not reflected... we have your back and for the next four years we will not leave you alone and will not forget you.' Later on in the night, the two returned to the stage to accept the award for Best Picture, though were ultimately and understandably caught off guard after La La Land was announced as the wrong winner.

Frances McDormand - Best Actress Oscar Speech, 2018

'I'm hyperventilating a little bit, if I fall over pick me up because I've got some things to say,' began McDormand before paying tribute to her Three Billboards colleagues, her husband Joel Cohen and son Pedro McDormand Cohen before asking all the female nominees from every category in the room to stand with her. 'Meryl if you do it, everyone else will,' she said to Streep in the front row.

She then proceeded to educate ask the men in the room to meet with all the women they see standing to listen to their career ambitions and projects before mentioning two words, and subsequently enticing the audience at home to Google rapidly, 'inclusion rider' - a clause in an actor/filmmaker's contract that ensures a certain level of diversity in the cast and crew on a production.

The Most Entertaining Oscars Speeches

Ben affleck and matt damon - best original screenplay oscars speech, 1997.

Aged just 25 and 27, childhood friends Affleck and Damon won an Oscar for writing their film, Good Will Hunting. The pair shouted their speech, as they reeled off people to thank from Minnie Driver to Robin Williams to their mothers, escalated in volume as they became more excitable and aware of the time limit.

Julia Roberts - Best Actress Oscars Speech, 2001

The actress won the Best Actress Academy Award for portraying environmental lawyer Erin Brockovich in 2001 and accepted it with a hilarious speech which alternated between thanking everyone Roberts has ever met (she literally thanks 'anyone I've ever met in my whole life') at one point and battling with the behind the scenes Oscars crew keeping time on her speech: 'Man with the stick I see you!'

Olivia Colman - Best Actress Oscars Speech, 2019

When Frances McDormand and Sam Rockwell announced the former Peep Show star as the winner and she was stunned into the backs of her seat, while being embraced and kissed by her husband, Ed on one side and a weeping Emma Stone on the other, we knew this was going to be a great speech.

Colman did not disappoint, starting her speech with, 'It's genuinely quite stressful, this is hilarious, I've got an Oscar', before poking her tongue out at the teleprompter when she was told to wrap up and simply pointing and saying 'Lady Gaga' at the star and her fellow nominee in the front row.

Daniel Kaluuya - Best Supporting Actor Speech, 2021

During the ceremony, the British actor won the award for Best Supporting Actor for his role in Judas and the Black Messiah. In his speech he paid tribute to Chairman Fred Hampton, who he portrayed in the film, and his work in civil rights.

But he then thanked his parents in what could quite possibly be the funniest shoutout in Oscars' history.

‘I’d like to thank my mum,’ he said. ‘You gave me everything. You gave me your factory settings. So I could stand at my fullest height. Thank you so much for showing me myself, and there’s so much work to do. That’s on everyone in this room. This ain’t no single man job. I look at every single one of you. We’ve got work to do.'

At the end of his speech, the star thanked his parents for bringing him into the world, much to his family's shock, who were watching the ceremony live in London.

‘My mum and my dad...they had sex. It's amazing! I'm here!’ he said, before the crowd went wild with applause.

The Most Emotional Oscars Speeches

Troy kotsur - best supporting actor, 2022.

The actor collected his award for Coda , and made history as the first male deaf actor to win an Academy Award.

'It’s a tough journey as a Deaf actor,' he said during his speech. 'There’s so few opportunities out there, and [Marlee Matlin, his Coda co-star] kept on going. She was persistent. And then so was I with my own career as a stage actor. So here I am today.”

The actor continued, paying tribute to his father: 'My dad, he was the best signer in our family. But he was in a car accident, and he became paralysed from the neck down. And he no longer was able to sign. Dad, I learned so much from you. I’ll always love you. You are my hero.'

Gwyneth Paltrow - Best Actress Oscars Speech, 1999

Paltrow was famously tearful when she won an Oscar for her role in Shakespeare In Love in 1999. The star became the most emotional when paying tribute to her father Bruce Paltrow, who was in the audience with her mother Blythe Danner, and who was diagnosed with oral cancer in 1999. Paltrow passed away from cancer complications in 2002 aged 58.

Halle Berry - Best Actress Oscars Speech, 2002

Berry had tears running down her face when she reached the stage to accept her Academy Award for Monster's Ball , becoming the first Black woman to win the Best Actress award in the process. 'This moment is so much bigger than me,' Berry said as she struggled to speak through tears while recounting her acting heroes. 'It's for every faceless, nameless, woman of colour who now has the chance because this door tonight has been opened.'

Jamie Foxx - Best Actor Oscar Speech, 2005

Starting with some Ray Charles vocals in homage to the singer he portrayed in the Oscar-winning film, Foxx then thanked his daughter (who he brought to the Oscars that night) for telling him just before the award, 'If you don't win Dad, you're still good', before a heartfelt tribute to his grandmother, Marie, where Foxx struggled to hold back tears.

Heath Ledger - Best Supporting Actors Oscars Speech, 2009

In 2009, Ledger was posthumously awarded an Oscar for his role as the Joker in The Dark Knight , a year after his death. The award was received on his behalf by his family, who said they had been 'truly overwhelmed' by the honour and respect attributed to Ledger and accepted it on behalf of his daughter with Michelle Williams, Matilda.

Viola Davis - Best Supporting Actress Oscar Speech, 2017

Davis was overcome with emotion as she delivered her Oscars speech for her role in Fences in 2017, especially when talking about the impact of her parents on her life and career. Emma Stone looked particularly teary-eyed at the end when Davis paid tribute to her husband Julius Tennon and their children. 'I'm so glad you are the foundation of my life,' Davis said as she wrapped up her speech.

The Most Political Oscars Speeches

Marlon brando - best actor oscars speech, 1973.

The actor won his award for The Godfather in 1973 however declined his award and gave the opportunity for a speech to actress Sacheen Littlefeather, who used the platform to criticise the depiction of Native Americans in Hollywood. She passed on the message that Brando couldn't accept the award because of the 'treatment of American Indians today by the film industry and on television and movie reruns'.

Michael Moore - Best Documentary Oscars Speech, 2003

Accepting his award for gun-control documentary Bowling for Columbine, director Michael Moore used his time on stage to criticise the George Bush presidency and Iraq War.

An impassioned Moore raised his voice as he said, 'Shame on you Mr Bush' while the audience roundly booed (though some applause was had) and high-profile celebrities like Adrien Brody looked on awkwardly.

Writing about his Oscars speech for The Hollywood Reporter, in 2017, Moore said: ' Later, my wife and I walked over to the Governors Ball. When I walked in, it was like the Red Sea parting. No one there wanted to be anywhere near the guy who got booed off the stage. One board member told me, "Wow, you really know how to ruin a standing ovation."'

However, he caveated that over the years he has a lot more of a positive reception to his speech than on the night in 2003.

Leonardo DiCaprio - Best Actor Oscar Speech, 2016

In 2016, the world waited with baited breath to see if The Revenant star would finally win an Oscar many thought he should have received years before. He did and nailed his speech in the process, using the platform to eloquently pay tribute to and urge protection of indigenous people while also asking for action on Climate Change, which he called 'the most urgent threat facing our entire species'.

Oh, we can't wait for the Oscars this weekend.

The Sweetest Oscars Speech

Brendan fraser - best actor oscar speech, 2023.

Brendan Fraser won the Oscar for Best Actor for his leading role in The Whale at the 95th Academy Awards. The actor came to the podium with tears in his eyes, and relayed a moving, whale and water themed speech that had everyone in the audience moved, telling his co-workers for the film: 'you laid your whale-sized hearts bare so we could see into your souls like no one else.'

Fraser found success in the late 1990s and 2000s, but after 20 years Fraser has experienced something of a comeback, telling the audience at the Oscars: ' Things they didn’t come easily to me...I just want to say thank you for this acknowledgement.'

Emerald Fennell - Best Original Screenplay Oscar Speech, 2021

Emerald Fennell won the Oscar for the Best Original Screenplay for Promising Young Woman at the 93 rd Oscars, and adorably began her acceptance speech by revealing that she hadn’t actually written anything to say.

‘They said write a speech and I didn’t, because I just didn’t think this would happen, and I’m going to be in trouble with [producer] Stephen Soderbergh,’ she admitted.

‘He’s so heavy and he’s so cold!’ she joked about her Oscar on picking it up, adding: ‘So, the only speech I ever wrote was when I was 10, soI had a look to see if there was anything useful from it, but it mostly thanked Zack Morris from Saved By The Bell , my very supportive husband. ‘Unfortunately, he hasn’t been as much a part of my life as I’d hoped, and so that speech is not that useful.’

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Amanda Serrano Shares Bernard Hopkins’ Inspiring Speech She Used as Motivation to Win Ring Magazine Title

Bernard Hopkins : a boxing legend, with a record of 55-8. He conquered multiple world titles like IBF, WBA, WBC, and others, setting records along the way. At 49, he became the oldest to win a major world championship. His victories? Legendary. His legacy? Undeniable. Hopkins’ esteem for The Ring magazine belt resonates deeply. It symbolizes supremacy, a coveted honor transcending mere titles. Enter Amanda Serrano . Inspired by Hopkins, she too aimed for the pinnacle.

Winning The Ring Magazine belt wasn’t just a victory; it was a fulfillment of a dream. How did Hopkins’ storied career fuel Serrano’s ambition? What makes this belt so prestigious?

Was Ring Magazine the ultimate goal for Amanda Serrano?

In the heart of boxing’s rich tapestry, Bernard Hopkins’ words ring with a timeless resonance. He declared, “The ring magazine belt, it’s the signature that you are the king of that division. It wasn’t the WBC, it wasn’t the WBA, it wasn’t the IBF or the WBO. It was the ring magazine belt. You go all the way back to Jack Johnson, to the Marcianos, to the great Muhammad Ali, to Marvin Hagler. I can go on and on. To me, it’s a pride to have this belt. The fighters today, they now have to reach the ring magazine belt in their careers, and that’s what’s a tradition. The legacy of boxing and the ring magazine will live on for 100 more years.”

Amanda Serrano, drawing inspiration from Hopkins’ passionate homage, mirrored this sentiment in her triumph. Her achievement in securing the Ring Magazine title is not just a personal milestone, but a continuation of the legacy Hopkins articulated. She shared, “When I was awarded my Ring Magazine Title I finally felt completed. I kept this video of BHop talking saved a long time ago & always said I need that. He said it Right!!” This caption, infused with her admiration and respect for the tradition encapsulated by the belt, underscores a shared reverence for the sport’s history and the honor of being recognized as the best in one’s division.

These words, steeped in the reverence of boxing’s hallowed past, embody the pursuit of greatness that transcends the sport’s ever-evolving landscape. They spotlight the Ring Magazine belt not just as an accolade but as a heritage that champions carry forward, a legacy imprinted in the annals of boxing history.

What does the legacy of The Ring magazine belt signify to you? Do you see it merely as a trophy, or as a beacon of history, honor, and the relentless pursuit of greatness in the squared circle?

Also Read: Amanda Serrano Details Eye Condition That Resulted in $1.5 Million Loss

The post Amanda Serrano Shares Bernard Hopkins’ Inspiring Speech She Used as Motivation to Win Ring Magazine Title appeared first on EssentiallySports .

BEST SHORT MOTIVATIONAL SPEECH OF ALL-TIME

Are you looking for a short motivational speech with the power to immediately inspire you? If so, then you’ll love this intense motivational speech. It is one of our favorites, and regardless of it’s age, we believe it still packs a punch.

So, if you’re ready for an epic motivational speech that can give you goosebumps and incite action — read below, and be sure to watch the video after! Enjoy!

Best Short Motivational Speech of All-Time

“WHETHER OR NOT YOU WIN THIS THING, YOU’VE GOT TO DECIDE how you are going to walk out of here when it is all said and done….Because the game is going to go on.

And there is only one rule you need to know about, there are no second chances.

There is only this moment, and the next moment. Every one of those moments is a test…that you get to take one time, and ONLY ONE TIME!

So, if you see an opening, tear into it!

If you get a shot at victory, make damn sure you take it!

SEIZE THAT MOMENT!

That moment is a crossroads where everything you want will collide with everything standing in your way!

You’ve got momentum at your back. Fear and doubt are thundering like a freight train straight at you!

And all you got, the only difference between making history and being history, the only thing, THE ONLY THING you can count on at any given moment is YOU!

It’s you vs. THEM!

It’s you vs. NO!

It’s you vs. CAN’T!

It’s you vs. NEXT YEAR, LAST YEAR, STATISTICS, EXCUSES !!!

It’s you vs. HISTORY!

It’s you vs. THE ODDS!

It’s you vs. SECOND PLACE!

The clock is ticking….. LET’S SEE WHAT YOU GOT !!!”

Video Version of The Speech

Below is the video and source for the motivational speech you just read. Be sure to watch is, as it is every bit as inspiring as the text.

Video Credit: The Proud Patriot

Final Thoughts

There you have it, the most intense short motivational speech of all-time! We hope you leverage the text from this ‘You vs. Them’ motivational speech and the video to get you off your couch, and into the arena of life!

Lastly, if you enjoyed this short but powerful pep-talk of a speech, then you’ll love these other powerful motivational resources:

• Top 10 Most Motivational Videos Ever!
• 25 Motivational Mantras That Work
• 365 Motivational Quotes to Inspire Success
• Top 10 Motivational Speeches of All-Time

To your success, and until next time,

PS – This ‘You Vs. Them Speech’ is one of our favorites, but Sylvester Stallone created a pretty epic speech as well. If you haven’t seen it yet, you can give it a watch here for some instant motivation: Rocky’s Motivational Speech to His Son .

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The STRIVE is on a mission to inspire and uplift 1 billion people by 2032. Our primary aim is to help as many people as possible believe in the uncommon thought, that they can be more than they are, do more than they've done, and achieve more prosperity than they've ever dreamed possible. Let's achieve the impossible together.

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Jen Sincero is an American writer, speaker, and motivational coach. She’s authored a number of New York Times bestselling books like You Are a Badass , and You Are A Badass at Making Money , as well as a few other inspiring books. No doubt, she is hellbent on helping people transform their lives, and getting motivated and rich in the process. As such, we’ve rounded up some of the best Jen Sincero quotes we could find to help you get motivated to upgrade your life and your finances.

So, if you’re ready to dive into some of Jen Sincero’s best quotes on personal transformation, living an awesome life, and becoming a money magnet, then let’s get to these quotes

BEST JEN SINCERO QUOTES TO HELP YOU UPGRADE YOUR LIFE AND YOUR MONEY

1. “You will experience whatever you believe. And you will believe whatever you repeatedly tell yourself is true.” – Jen Sincero

2. “If you’re serious about changing your life, you’ll find a way. If you’re not, you’ll find an excuse.” – Jen Sincero

3. “When we don’t master our minds, we risk building our lives on a foundation of fakakta.” – Jen Sincero

4. “Your life is your party. You get to choose how you invite people and experiences and things into it.” – Jen Sincero

5. “Love yourself.” – Jen Sincero

6. “We all have the ability, through our thoughts, to harness the power of the Universe.” – Jen Sincero

7. “You need to go from wanting to change your life to deciding to change your life.” – Jen Sincero

8. “What other people think about you has nothing to do with you and everything to do with them.” – Jen Sincero

9. “Hang out with people who are kicking ass and who will make you feel like a giant loser if you’re not kicking ass, too.” – Jen Sincero

10. “Badassery comes to those who take risks.” – Jen Sincero

11. “Changing your habits and your boundaries takes courage, audacity, and a whole lot of self-love.” – Jen Sincero

12. “You will have good days, and you will have bad days; the key is to stay focused on the good and to forgive the bad.” – Jen Sincero

13. “Never apologize for who you are. It lets the whole world down.” – Jen Sincero

14. “We are all perfect in our own, magnificent, f***ed-up ways. Laugh at yourself. Love yourself and others. Rejoice in the cosmic ridiculousness.” – Jen Sincero

15. “Take care of yourself as if you’re the most awesome person you’ve ever met.” – Jen Sincero

16. “Surrendering is the free-falling backwards into the unknown and trusting that The Universe will catch you.” – Jen Sincero

17. “Trying to protect yourself from your fears protects you from experiencing a fully evolved and juicy life.” – Jen Sincero

18. “You cut yourself off from the supply of awesomeness when you are not in a state of gratitude.” – Jen Sincero

19. “Our thoughts become our words, our words become our beliefs, our beliefs become our actions, our actions become our habits, and our habits become our realities.” – Jen Sincero

20. “Deciding is freedom. Indecision is torture.” – Jen Sincero

21. “What you do in each tiny moment matters greatly. Shut up, slow down, breathe, connect to your higher self, and act with intention.” – Jen Sincero

22. “Say nice things about your body, dress it up, and take it out. Give it hot sex, luxurious baths, and massages. Move it, stretch it, nourish it, hydrate it, pay attention to it—The better our bodies feel, the happier and more productive we are.” – Jen Sincero

23. “Your reality is created by what you focus on and how you choose to interpret it.” – Jen Sincero

24. “Our emotions are the motivating kicks in the rear that alert our bodies that it’s time to take action and make a thought a physical reality.” – Jen Sincero

25. “When you love yourself enough to stand in your truth no matter what the cost, everyone benefits.” – Jen Sincero

26. “If you want to live a life you’ve never lived , you have to do things you’ve never done.” – Jen Sincero

27. “Most answers reveal themselves through doing, not thinking.” – Jen Sincero

28. “Wallowing in the pain and suffering isn’t going to help anyone, yourself included, any more than starving yourself will help the hungry.  If you want to help the world and yourself, keep your frequency high and do your work from a place of power and joy.” – Jen Sincero

29. “Your beliefs hold the key to your financial success.” – Jen Sincero

30. “Who you surround yourself with greatly affects how you see your world and how high you set the bar for yourself.” – Jen Sincero

31. “When you hang out with whiners, pessimists, tweakers, bleakers, freakers-outers and life-is-so-unfairers, it’s an uphill climb to keep yourself in a positive headspace.  Stay away from people with tiny minds and tiny thoughts and start hanging out with people who see limitless possibility as the reality.” – Jen Sincero

32. “What if you decided to do the most outrageous, most exciting thing you ever dared fantasize about, regardless of what anyone, including your terrified self, thought?  THAT would be living.” – Jen Sincero

33. “We only get to be in our bodies for a limited time, why not celebrate the journey instead of merely riding it out until it’s over?” – Jen Sincero

34. “You are a badass. You were one when you came screaming onto this planet and you are one now. The Universe wouldn’t have bothered with you otherwise. You can’t screw up so majorly that your badassery disappears. It is who you are. It’s who you always will be. It’s not up for negotiation.” – Jen Sincero

35. “You need to have a ten-ton gorilla of desire behind your decision or else you’ll wimp out the second things get hard.” – Jen Sincero

36. “You are perfect. To think anything less is as pointless as a river thinking that it’s got too many curves or that it moves too slowly or that its rapids are too rapid.” – Jen Sincero

37. “ The only failure is quitting . Everything else is just gathering information.” – Jen Sincero

38. “You faith in The Universe must be stronger than your fear of not getting what you want.” – Jen Sincero

39. “Decide to embody the identity that represents the desires in your heart.” – Jen Sincero

40. “You are responsible for what you say and do. You are not responsible for whether or not people freak out about it.” – Jen Sincero

41 . “It never ceases to amaze me the precious time we spend chasing the squirrels around our brains, playing out our dramas, worrying about unwanted facial hair, seeking adoration, justifying our actions, complaining about slow Internet connections, dissecting the lives of idiots, when we are sitting in the middle of a full-blown miracle that is happening right here, right now.” – Jen Sincero

42. “Nobody who ever accomplished anything big of new or worth raising a celebratory first in the air did it from their comfort zone.” – Jen Sincero

43. “All life is either moving forward and evolving or shrinking back and dying.  If you want to evolve in your own life, you have to push through the obstacles instead of running from them.  Obstacles and challenges are the agents of growth.” – Jen Sincero

44. “In order to kick ass you must first lift up your foot.” – Jen Sincero

45. “There’s nothing as unstoppable as a freight train full of fu**-yeah.” – Jen Sincero

46. “No one is you, that’s your superpower.” – Jen Sincero

47. “When you level-up your idea of what’s possible, and decide to really go for it, you open yourself up to the means to accomplish it as well.” – Jen Sincero

48. “One of the best things you can do to improve the world is to improve yourself.” – Jen Sincero

49. “The Universe responds to details. The Universe responds to energy. The Universe responds to badasses.” – Jen Sincero

50. “If you want to be happy, make others happy.” – Jen Sincero

51. “It’s all make-believe. Or rather, it’s all what we make ourselves believe.” – Jen Sincero

52. “Wake up in the morning and declare what it is that you’ll celebrate today.” – Jen Sincero

53. “You are loved. Massively. Ferociously. Unconditionally. The Universe is totally freaking out about how awesome you are. It’s got you wrapped in a warm gorilla hug of adoration. It wants to give you everything you desire. It wants you to be happy. It wants you to see what it sees in you.” – Jen Sincero

54. “So often, we pretend we’ve made a decision, when what we’ve really done is signed up to try until it gets too uncomfortable.” – Jen Sincero

55. “Habits define who you’re being at a certain moment in time; they’re not who you are.” – Jen Sincero

56. “ Trust your own gut , your own feelings, your own joy above all else.” – Jen Sincero

57. “What other people think about you has nothing to do with you and everything to do with them.” – Jen Sincero

58. “The Universe will match whatever vibration you put out. And you can’t fool the Universe.” – Jen Sincero

59. “If you’re not excited, no one else is going to be.” – Jen Sincero

60. “When you change who you’re being, you begin seeing everything through new eyes.” – Jen Sincero

61. “And the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom.” – Jen Sincero

62. “Surround yourself with people who think the way you want to think.” – Jen Sincero

63. “You are responsible for what you say and do. You are not responsible for whether or not people freak out about it.” – Jen Sincero

64. “Give yourself permission and the means (yes, this includes the money ), to be who you are regardless of what anybody else thinks or believes is possible.” – Jen Sincero

65. “You’ll have to believe in things you can’t see as well as some things that you have full-on proof are impossible.” – Jen Sincero

66. “Perfectionism is just procrastination in a fancy outfit.” – Jen Sincero

67. “If you don’t invest, you’re not invested in yourself.” – Jen Sincero

68. “Taking risks is uncomfortable, but it’s the kind of discomfort that’s equal parts eeek! and hell yeah!” – Jen Sincero

69. “Relish the feeling of gratitude and the joy of being in the flow with money.” – Jen Sincero

70. “Decide to love yourself through all the trials and errors and false starts.” – Jen Sincero

71. “We’d rather do what’s expected of us that give ourselves permission to be, do, and have what feels good and right and awesome.” – Jen Sincero

72. “Boundaries are not rigid walls. They breathe and move with the complexities of life and the nuances of each situation.” – Jen Sincero

73. “Habitually setting good boundaries lays the groundwork for all other habits.” – Jen Sincero

74. “Your desires are your Universal Marching Orders, and there is no wrong outcome.” – Jen Sincero

75. “In order to truly raise your vibration, you’ve got to believe that everything you want is available to you.” – Jen Sincero

76. “If you want to get over your issues and rock your life, be grateful, look for the good and learn.” – Jen Sincero

77. “Faith is contagious.” – Jen Sincero

78. “You have to keep the faith, always, even when your ass is on the line.” – Jen Sincero

79. “All of Mother Nature’s creatures are designed to full flourish before they drop dead.” – Jen Sincero

80. “A healthy desire for wealth is not greed, it’s a desire for life.” – Jen Sincero

81. “Allow yourself to experience whatever your heart desires as if this is your one and only chance to take the ride of your life.” – Jen Sincero

82. “Your life, your choice.” – Jen Sincero

83. “Good boundaries are all about self-love.” – Jen Sincero

84. “All that matters is what’s true for you, and if you can stay connected to that without straying, you will be a mighty superhero.” – Jen Sincero

85. “One great way to make even the most ho-hum of habits something to look forward to is by attaching some sore of reward to it.” – Jen Sincero

86. “We’re so damn busy all the time we rarely take the time out to acknowledge our awesomeness.” – Jen Sincero

87. “Decisions are not up for negotiation.” – Jen Sincero

88. “It doesn’t matter how many times you’ve messed up, because your failures and face-plants are all part of your journey .” – Jen Sincero

89. “Don’t waste your precious time giving one single crap about what anybody else thinks of you.” – Jen Sincero

90. “You have the power and choice to become anybody you choose to become.” – Jen Sincero

91. “Sometimes the road to freedom lies in deciding you’d rather be happy than right.” – Jen Sincero

92. “When you succumb to fear, you are under the illusion that you can predict the future.” – Jen Sincero

93. “Our ‘realities’ are determined by how we habitually perceive ourselves and our worlds.” – Jen Sincero

94. “Habits. The easier you make it for them to show up, the more regularly they will.” – Jen Sincero

95. “Take big, audacious action in the direction of your dreams and do not let the fact that you’re wetting your pants stop you.” – Jen Sincero

96. “Own your nos.” – Jen Sincero

97. “Learn the language of no.” – Jen Sincero

98. “Being around inspired, visionary, enthusiastic people who are living their truths is one of the fastest ways to massively transform your life.” – Jen Sincero

99. “Oy the energy we waste lugging around the wet sandbag of guilt and resentment!” – Jen Sincero

100. “Trust that the Universe always delivers right on time.” – Jen Sincero

Bonus Jen Sincero Quote

Bonus: Here’s one last bonus Jen Sincero quote. We believe there is loads of truth behind this quote. So, ignore it at your own risk. Enjoy!

“On The Other Side Of Your Fear Is Freedom” – Jen Sincero – jen sincero –

Related: Jen Sincero Success Story

There you have it, the best of the best Jen Sincero quotes on success, money, habits, and having the right mindset. We hope they’ll inspire you to start living out that awesome and prosperous life that you deserve.

If you’ve yet to read any of her books, be sure to check at least one of them out. We don’t doubt that her wise words could be a game changer for you.

Note:  We’re reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission

With that said, please feel free to book mark this page, share one of her inspiring quotes, or comeback soon whenever you need a little bit of that unique inspiration and motivation that only Jen Sincero can provide.

Michael Jordan is considered by most, as the NBA’s greatest player of all-time, as a six-time NBA champion. and NBA Finals MVP. He’s also a savvy businessman who is the principal owner of the Charlotte Hornets, Nascar’s 23XI Racing, and has been a principal spokesman for iconic brands like Nike, Gatorade, Coca Cola, Wheaties, Hanes, and many others. In addition to this, he’s a billionaire. Needless to say, Jordan knows a thing or two about success and achievement; which is why we’ve pulled together this powerful collection of Michael Jordan quotes for success.

“Everybody Has Talent, But Ability Takes Hard Work.”

Our hope is that these quotes will give you more insight into the thinking process and mindset that has helped Michel Jordan become one of the most successful and popular people in history. We also hope they inspire you to dream bigger, work harder, and strive to achieve the impossible. So, if you’re ready to be inspired, let’s dive into these inspiring Michael Jordan quotes:

BEST MICHAEL JORDAN QUOTES FOR SUCCESS

1. “If you quit once it becomes a habit. Never quit !” – Michael Jordan

2. “Talent wins games, but teamwork and intelligence win championships.” – Michael Jordan

3. “No matter how good you are, always keep working on your game.” – Michael Jordan

4. “Never say never, because limits, like fears, are often just an illusion.” – Michael Jordan

5. “Obstacles don’t have to stop you. If you run into a wall, don’t turn around and give up. Figure out how to climb it, go through it, or work around it.” – Michael Jordan

6. “I’ve missed more than 9000 shots in my career. I’ve lost almost 300 games. 26 times, I’ve been trusted to take the game winning shot and missed. I’ve failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed.” – Michael Jordan

7. “ Failure makes me work even harder.” – Michael Jordan

8. “If you do the work, you get rewarded. There are no shortcuts in life.” – Michael Jordan

9. “To be successful, you have to be selfish, or else you never achieve. And once you get to your highest level, then you have to be unselfish. Stay reachable. Stay in touch. Don’t isolate.” – Michael Jordan 

10. “The key to success is failure.” – Michael Jordan

11. “They don’t need a ticket to watch you sitting on a bench. They can go to your house for that.” – Michael Jordan

12. “You can practice shoot eight hours a day, but if your technique is wrong, then all you become is very good at shooting the wrong way. Get the fundamentals down and the level of everything you do will rise.” – Michael Jordan

13. “My body could stand the crutches but my mind couldn’t stand the sideline.” – Michael Jordan

14. “I’ve never been afraid to fail.” – Michael Jordan

15. “It’s better to shoot and miss than to let time run out and wonder what if.” – Michael Jordan

16. “Once I made a decision, I never thought about it again.” – Michael Jordan

17. “Some people want it to happen, some wish it would happen, and others make it happen.” – Michael Jordan

18. “The minute you get away from fundamentals–whether its proper technique, work ethic , or mental preparation–the bottom can fall out of your game, your schoolwork, your job, whatever you’re doing.” – Michael Jordan

19. “If you accept the expectations of others, especially negative ones, then you will never change the outcome.” – Michael Jordan

20. “I’ve never lost a game. I just ran out of time.” – Michael Jordan

21. “My attitude is that if you push me towards something that you think is a weakness, then I will turn that perceived weakness into a strength.” – Michael Jordan

22. “I set another goal … a reasonable, manageable goal that I could realistically achieve if I worked hard enough. I approached everything step by step.” – Michael Jordan

23. “I hope the millions of people I’ve touched have the optimism and desire to share their goals and hard work and persevere with a positive attitude.” – Michael Jordan

24. “Work ethics eliminates fear.” – Michael Jordan

25. “If you put your mind to doing whatever it is you want to do, good things can happen.” – Michael Jordan

26. “People ask me if I could fly, I said, ‘yeah… for a little while.'” – Michael Jordan

27. “My advice is, find fuel in failure. Sometimes failure gets you closer to where you want to be.” – Michael Jordan

28. “Always turn a negative situation into a positive situation.” – Michael Jordan

29. “I play to win, whether during practices or a real game. And I will not let anything get in the way of me and my competitive enthusiasm to win.” – Michael Jordan

30. “ Heart is what separates the good from the great.” – Michael Jordan

31. “Winning isn’t always championships.” – Michael Jordan

32. “I built my talents on the shoulders of someone else’s talent.” – Michael Jordan

33. “My competitive drive is far greater than anyone else that I’ve met, and I thrive on that.” – Michael Jordan

34. “To learn to succeed, you must first learn to fail.” – Michael Jordan

35. “Learning is a gift, even when pain is your teacher!” – Michael Jordan

36. “There is no “I” in team but there is in win.” – Michael Jordan

37 . “I realized that if I was going to achieve anything in life I had to be aggressive. I had to get out there and go for it.” – Michael Jordan

38. “I want to be the bridge to the next generation.” – Michael Jordan

39. “Don’t let them drag you down by rumors, just go with what you believe in.” – Michael Jordan

40. “Everybody has talent, but ability takes hard work.” – Michael Jordan

41. “Be true to the game, because the game will be true to you. If you try to shortcut the game, then the game will shortcut you. if you put forth the effort, good things will be bestowed upon you. That’s truly about the game, and in some ways that’s about life too.” – Michael Jordan

42. “ Champions do not become champions when the win an event, but in the hours, weeks, and months, and years they spend preparing for it. The victorious performance itself is merely a demonstration of their championship character.” – Michael Jordan

43. “I’ve always believed that if you put in the work, the results will come.” – Michael Jordan

44. “Sometimes things may not go your way, but the effort should be there every single night.” – Michael Jordan

45. “It is easy to choose a path of anonymity and lead an empty life. But to strive hard and lead an impactful life, one needs a burning desire to realize dreams.” – Michael Jordan

46.  “You have to establish who you want to be in this life. Don’t be who they tell you you should be.” – Michael Jordan

47 . “My innate personality is to win at all costs. If I have to do it myself, I’m going to do it.” – Michael Jordan

48. “ Live the moment for the moment.” – Michael Jordan

49. “Enjoy every minute of life. Never second-guess life.” – Michael Jordan

50. “A loss is not a failure until you make an excuse.” – Michael Jordan

51. “My father used to say that it’s never too late to do anything you wanted to do. And he said you never know what you can accomplish until you try.” – Michael Jordan

52. “I’ve always been taught that to reach a goal in life that you want you have to work hard to get to it.” – Michael Jordan

53. “I had to start from the bottom and work my way up.” – Michael Jordan

54. “What motivates me is the unknown. Know one knows, they can all speculate but no one really knows and when you look at my career from high school all the way up through the pros. Know one knew what Michael was capable of you know? Myself, I didn’t know you know? But I didn’t let that stop me, and let that motivate me more so than anything. As long as it’s unknown, that means I have a chance, you know and that’s the way I pursued my whole career.” – Michael Jordan

55. “I’ve really set a standard for myself, which is normal, but then, you have to step it up another level to be above normal.” – Michael Jordan

56. “For a competitive junkie like me, Golf is a great solution because it smacks you in the face every time you think you’ve accomplished something.” – Michael Jordan

57. “When I play I play hard all the time, you know? There’s no turning on here and turning it off here, it’s just 110% at all times.” – Michael Jordan

58. “I never feel that I am at my best. I feel I still have room to improve, I still set goals for myself to strive for. I am never complacent with what I have achieved.” – Michael Jordan

59. “Sometimes you need to get hit in the head to realize that you’re in a fight.” – Michael Jordan

60. “If nobody will help you do it, do it alone.” – Michael Jordan

61. “I cannot accept failure, everyone fails at something. But I can’t accept not trying.” – Michael Jordan

62. “I practice as if I am playing the game.” – Michael Jordan

63. “Don’t be afraid to try. The worst thing that can happen, is it doesn’t pan out the way you envision it, but at least you know that by giving it a shot.’ – Michael Jordan

64. “Everything I’ve done in my life I’ve taken a chance at either succeeding at it or failing at it, but I’ve taken that chance. And I will not let the opportunity of failure stop me from doing something that I truly truly enjoy doing.” – Michael Jordan

65. “Sports is a tool that teaches.” – Michael Jordan

66. “Let your game be your promotion and marketing tool.” – Michael Jordan

67. “ Success doesn’t stop when you get there.” – Michael Jordan

68. “My best skill as that I was coachable. I was a sponge and aggressive to learn.” – Michael Jordan

69. “I play for the love of the game, not for the love of money.” – Michael Jordan

70. “The best come from the worst.” – Michael Jordan

71. “If I had been playing for money I would have complained a long time ago that I was underpaid.” – Michael Jordan

72. “It’s about work before glory, and what’s inside of you.” – Michael Jordan

73. “I’m a firm believer in goal setting. Step by step. I can’t see any other way of accomplishing anything.” – Michael Jordan

74. “No brain, no gain. Stay in school.” – Michael Jordan

75. “I believe greatness is an evolutionary process that changes and evolves era to era.” – Michael Jordan

Bonus Michael Jordan Quote

Bonus: Alright, here is one of our favorite Michael Jordan quotes. We added it as bonus, because we 100% stand behind it, and because we believe more people could achieve the success they are after if they’d just full embrace it. Enjoy!

“You Must Expect Great Things Of Yourself Before You Can Do Them.” – michael jordan –

Related: Michael Jordan Success Story

FINAL THOUGHTS

There you have it, the best of the best Michael Jordan quotes to help you find more success in life. If you wan to be like Mike, you have try and think like Mike, and more importantly, strive like Mike.

That said, we hope these quotes fired you up to want to push harder to achieve your goals and dreams.

Till you reach those aims,

PS – If you enjoyed these motivational Michael Jordan quotes, then you’ll definitely enjoy these inspiring Kobe Bryant quotes .

INSPIRING CALVIN COOLIDGE QUOTE ON PERSISTENCE TO HELP YOU PRESS ON

In honor of President’s Day, we thought we’d publish something about one of our favorite presidetns, Calvin Coolidge . Coolidge was the 30th President of the United States, and has been referred to as the best president you didn’t know about.

He has come to be known by his effective and fair governing while serving as President. Yet, he’s gained even more popularity in these modern times from his uttering of some of the most inspiring words about what it takes to succeed in the world. In fact, one of his most enduring and best known phrases has come to be known as the Coolidge Quote on Persistence.

Truth be told, Calvin Coolidge’s quote is so well known, that for many people, his name has just about become synonymous with the word, persistence.

So, what’s this quote all about? Well, the quote is about winning, it’s about what it takes to stay on the one true path to success. It’s about embracing the idea, that with enough persistence, anybody can, in due time, reach an astonishing level of success.

The Calvin Coolidge Quote

With that being said, here’s the famous Calvin Coolidge quote:

“Nothing In The World Can Take The Place Of Persistence. Talent Will Not; Nothing Is More Common Than Unsuccessful Men With Talent. Genius Will Not; Unrewarded Genius Is Almost A Proverb. Education Will Not; The World Is Full Of Educated Derelicts. Persistence And Determination Alone Are Omnipotent. The Slogan “Press On” Has Solved And Always Will Solve The Problems Of The Human Race.” – Calvin Coolidge

“Nothing in the world can take the place of persistence.” – Calvin Coolidge

Printable Version: Calvin Coolidge Quote on Persistence

We believe this quote is extremely powerful and if embraced, can help just about anyone get their mind right about success . We know there are existing quote cards and canvas that can be purchased with this great quote on it, but we know not everyone has the budget to pay for them. So, we decided to create something that you that you can download as a screen saver or print off for free.

Once you’ve saved a version, you can simply print one off at home and put it next to your desk. Or you can take one to work. You can also save one and print it off at Walgreens or use Google photos to create a canvas. The options are endless.

The most important thing, is just getting a copy of one in front of you to give you a nudge when you need it. Once you’ve done that, feel free to set the image as your wallpaper for daily motivation .

With that being said, here is a great printable/downloadable Coolidge Quote on Persistence:

Hopefully this download will keep you motivated to stick to your dreams and lofty goals long enough to realize them.

Lastly, if you like this quote as much as we do, and you believe it speaks truth, and can help others, please consider sharing this page.

Alright, there you have it, the extremely popular Calvin Coolidge Quote on Persistence, and a free printable and downloadable version you can use to remind yourself of the importance of this ultimate key to success.

We hope you take this quote to heart, like we do. But more importantly we hope you come to appreciate the power of persistence and apply it daily until you reach your aims.

Until then,

PS – If you enjoyed this resource on the famous Calvin Coolidge Quote on Persistence, then you’ll love these powerful collection of Persistence Quotes .

35 FEARLESS MOTIVATION QUOTES TO INSPIRE YOU INTO TAKING BOLD ACTION

Motivation is that driving force that helps us achieve our goals, and when we insert a bit of boldness into that drive; watch out world! So, if you’re looking for some powerful words to fire you up to be fearless for what you want, words that will move you into taking bold action, then this page is for you.

We’ve rounded up the most empowering fearless motivation quotes to embolden to be brave, take more action, and pounce on those with the savagery they deserve. With that being said, if you’re ready for some fearless motivation let’s dive in:

Best Fearless Motivation Quotes

1. “Obstacles don’t have to stop you. If you run into a wall, don’t turn around and give up. Figure out how to climb it, go through it, or work around it.” – Michael Jordan

2. “Whatever you can do or dream you can, begin it ; Boldness has genius, power, and magic in it.” – Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe

3. “Fortune favors the bold.” – Virgil

4. “The greatest fear in the world is of the opinions of others. And the moment you are unafraid of the crowd you are no longer a sheep. You become a lion. A great roar arises in your heart. The roar of freedom.” – Osho

5. “You don’t have to be fast. But you’d better be fearless.” – Christopher McDougall

6. “Throw me to the wolves and I will return leading the pack.” – Seneca

7. “Don’t focus on what you think you deserve. Take aim at what you are willing to earn.” – David Goggins

8. “Do one thing everyday that scares you.” – Eleanor Roosevelt

9. “Action may not always bring happiness; but there is no happiness without action.” – Benjamin Disraeli

10. “A lion sleeps in the heart of every brave man.” – Turkish Proverb

11. “Your largest fear, carries you greatest growth.” – James Allen

12. “Don’t be pushed around by the fears in your mind. Be led by the dreams in your heart.” – Roy T. Bennett

13. “If something is important enough, even if the odds are against you, you should still do it.” – Elon Musk

14. “Inaction breeds doubt and fear. Action breeds confidence and courage. If you want to conquer fear, do not sit home and think about it. Go out and get busy.”  –  Dale Carnegie

15. “Whatever you want to do, go do it.” – Ray Lewis

16. “Fate loves the fearless.” – James Russell Lowell

17. “He who is brave is free.” – Seneca

18. “The desire for safety stands against every great and noble enterprise.” – Tacitus

19. “The devil whispers, “You can’t withstand the storm.” The Warrior replied, “I am the storm.” – Unknown

20. “Don’t limit your challenges; challenge your limits.” – Tony Robbins

21. “Life shrinks or expands in proportion to one’s courage.” – Anais Nin

22. “The secret to happiness is freedom…  And the secret to freedom is courage .” – Thucydides

23. “Become fearless, and the world becomes your oyster.” – Atlas Rowe

24. “The desire for safety stands against every great and noble enterprise.” – Tacitus

25. “Don’t fear failure. — Not failure, but low aim is the crime. In great attempts, it is glorious even to fail.”  – Bruce Lee

26. “Follow your bliss, and the universe will open doors where there were only walls.” – Joseph Campbell

27. “Have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. They somehow already know what you truly want to become. Everything else is secondary.” –  Steve Jobs

28. “Risk little, Receive little.  Risk much, receive much!” – The STRIVE

29. “I am not what happened to me. I am what I choose to become.” – Fearless Motivation Quote

30. “Your doubts create mountains. Your actions move them.”  –  Mel Robbins

31. “Real lions like to hunt. They love the process just as much as they love the prize.” – Eric Thomas

32. “Shallow men believe in luck or in circumstance. Strong men believe in cause and effect.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson

33. “Mental toughness is spartanism with qualities of sacrifice, self-denial, dedication. It is fearlessness, and it is love.” – Vince Lombardi

34. “I’m not afraid of dying, I’m afraid of not trying.” – Jay Z

35. “Dreams are for the dreamers, goals are for achievers.” – Arnold Schwarzenegger

Bonus Fearless Motivation Quote

Bonus Quote: All right, out of all of these fearless motivation quotes, this one says it all. It conveys the one truth that we must all come to embrace if we want to reach our goals and make meaningful change….

“Words Can Inspire But Only Action Creates Change.” – simon sinek –

There you have it, the best of the best motivational quotes to inspire the fearlessness that resides within you. We hope these quotes move you to take some bold new steps towards achieving your true potential.

PS – If you enjoyed this collection of fearless motivation quotes, then you’ll likely also enjoy these empoweriing quotes to help you become fearless .

50+ MOTIVATIONAL ZIG ZIGLAR QUOTES TO HELP YOU REACH THE TOP

Zig Ziglar was one of America’s most renowned public figures in the science of human potential. He was especially sought after in the 70’s, 80’s, and 90’s as a highly influential author and motivational speaker. And his timeless success insights and wise anecdotes encouraging people to take responsibility for positively transforming their lives has made him extremely popular amongst high achievers the world over.

“If You Can Dream It, You Can Achieve It.”

Thus, to honor the relentless encouragement and belief that Zig Ziglar had in everyone’s potential, we’ve pulled together these powerful Zig Ziglar quotes. May they help you realize, and believe , as Zig Ziglar intended, that if you can dream it, you can achieve it.

50+ Best Zig Ziglar Quotes to Help You Get to The Top

1. “Regardless of your “lot” in life you can build something solid on it.” – Zig Ziglar

2. “Man was designed for accomplishment, engineered for success and endowed with the seeds of greatness .” – Zig Ziglar

3. “In your hands you hold the seeds of failure – or the potential for greatness.” – Zig Ziglar

4. “You don’t have to be great to start, but you have to start to be great.” – Zig Ziglar

5. “ Action is the manifestation of learning. Just as “faith” without works is dead, learning without action isn’t learning.” – Zig Ziglar

6. “The person who won’t read is no better off than the person who can’t read.” – Zig Ziglar

7. “If you go looking for a friend, you’re going to find they’re scarce. If you go out to  be  a friend, you’ll find them everywhere.” – Zig Ziglar

8. “ Success is not a destination, it’s a journey, it’s the direction in which you are traveling.” – Zig Ziglar

9. “Lack of direction, not lack of time, is the problem. We all have twenty-four hour days.” – Zig Ziglar

10. “Your attitude, not your aptitude, will determine your altitude.” – Zig Ziglar

11. “You can get everything in life you want, if you help enough other people get what they want.” – Zig Ziglar

12. “It’s true, you can get what you want instead of having to want what you have. Success is easy if you believe .” – Zig Ziglar

13. “People often say motivation doesn’t last. Neither does bathing—that’s why we recommend it daily.” – Zig Ziglar

14. “It’s all right to get money – lots of it – as long as you get it the right way and you don’t let the money get you.” – Zig Ziglar

15. “If you can dream it, you can achieve it.” – Zig Ziglar

16. “No one on the face of this earth can make you feel inferior without your permission.” – Zig Ziglar

17. “People don’t buy for logical reasons. They buy for emotional reasons.” – Zig Ziglar

18. “The major difference between the big shot and the little shot is – the big shot is just a little shot who kept on shooting.” – Zig Ziglar

19. “Your rewards in life are due more to your behavior than to your birth.” – Zig Ziglar

20. “Success is easy – once you believe.” – Zig Ziglar

21. “There has never been a statue erected to honor a critic.” – Zig Ziglar

22. “When you are tough on yourself , life is going to be infinitely easier on you.” – Zig Ziglar

23. “The most practical, beautiful, workable philosophy in the world won’t work – if you won’t.” – Zig Ziglar

24. “The more you are grateful for what you have the more you will have to be grateful for.” – Zig Ziglar

25. “ No one is useless in this world who lightens the burden of it to anyone else.” – Zig Ziglar

26. “A lot of people have gone further than they thought they could because someone else thought they could.” – Zig Ziglar

27. “You were born to win, but to be a winner you must plan to win, prepare to win, and expect to win.” – Zig Ziglar

28. “ Confidence is the hand-maiden of success.” – Zig Ziglar

29. “A goal casually set and lightly taken is freely abandoned at the first obstacle.” – Zig Ziglar

30. “A goal properly set is halfway reached.” – Zig Ziglar

31. “If you aim at nothing, you will hit it every time.” – Zig Ziglar

32. “The chief cause of failure and unhappiness is trading what you want most for what you want right now.” – Zig Ziglar

33. “Rich people have small TVs and big libraries, and poor people have small libraries and big TVs.” – Zig Ziglar

34. “What you get by reaching your goals is not nearly as important as what you become by reaching them.” – Zig Ziglar

35. “What we can and must do is learn the rules well and then play them to the best of our ability.” – Zig Ziglar

36. “Time can be an ally or an enemy. What it becomes depends entirely upon you, your goals, and your determination to use every available minute.” – Zig Ziglar

37. “Your business is never really good or bad ‘out there’. Your business is either good or bad right between your own two ears.” – Zig Ziglar

38. “The greatest source of happiness is the ability to be grateful at all times.” – Zig Ziglar

39. “If you don’t plan your time, someone else will help you waste it.” – Zig Ziglar

40. “Success occurs when opportunity meets preparation.” – Zig Ziglar

41. “Be helpful when you see a person without a smile, give them yours.” – Zig Ziglar

42. “There will always be people in your life who treat you wrong. Be sure to thank them for making you strong.” – Zig Ziglar

43. “Money isn’t the most important thing in life, but it’s reasonably close to oxygen on the ‘gotta have it’ scale.” – Zig Ziglar

44. “F-E-A-R has two meanings: ‘Forget Everything And Run’ or ‘Face Everything And Rise.’ The choice is yours.” – Zig Ziglar

45. “ Failure is a detour, not a dead-end street.” – Zig Ziglar

46. “If you are not willing to learn, no on can help you. If you are determined to learn, no one can stop you.” – Zig Ziglar

47. “When obstacles arise, you change your direction to reach your goal; you do not change your decision to get there.” – Zig Ziglar

48. “Difficult roads often lead to beautiful destinations.” – Zig Ziglar

49. “Stop selling. Start helping.” – Zig Ziglar

50. “If you want to earn more, learn more.” – Zig Ziglar

51. It makes no difference where you go, there you are. And it makes no difference what you have, there’s always more to want. Until you are happy with who you are, you will never be happy because of what you have.” – Zig Ziglar

52. Look back in forgiveness, forward in hope, down in compassion, and up with gratitude.” – Zig Ziglar

53. “The greatest of all mistakes is to do nothing because you think you can only do a little.” – Zig Ziglar

54. “When your image improves, your performance improves.” – Zig Ziglar

55. Put all excuses aside and remember this: You are capable.” – Zig Ziglar

Bonus Zig Ziglar Quote

Bonus: Here is our last and final bonus quote. We saved it for last, as it is our favorite among all of these Zig Ziglar quotes. Why? Because if more people believed this one little thing, more people would push through the temporary failures everyone faces on the the road to success.

“Remember That Failure Is An Event, Not A Person.” – zig ziglar –

There you have it, the best of the best Zig Ziglar motivational quotes to help you live a little better and find a lot more success in life. We hope at they very least, they help you believe once and for all that you can be, do, and have more in this life.

So, embrace these words, and use them to create your own philosophy of success. And when you do, we’re sure, we’ll see you… at the top.

Till next time,

PS – Zig Ziglar influenced an estimated quarter of a billion individuals through his 33 published books, including his best selling book  See You at the Top , which sold millions of copies. If you’ve yet to read his book See You at the Top , we highly recommend it .

Note: We are reader supported, as such, we may earn a commission at no additional cost to you if you decided to buy any products through the link above.

100+ GREATEST MUHAMMAD ALI QUOTES TO HELP YOU UNLEASH YOUR GREATNESS

Without question Muhammad Ali is and always will be, one of the greatest boxers of all time. But he wasn’t just a great boxer, he was also a great human. Ali was able to dazzle his audience and opponents outside of the ring with his words just as effectively as he was able to shock and stun both his audience and his opponents when he was inside the ring.

He was as they say, the total package. And that is exactly what has inspired us to publish this powerful collection of Muhammad Ali quotes.

Our hope is that these inspirational Ali quotes can help you tap your inner champion so you can become the greatest version of yourself. But not only that, so you can leverage his wise words to not only become your best self, but to also live your greatest life.

So, if you’re ready for some of the hardest hitting Muhammad Ali quotes of all time, let’s dive right in:

100+ BEST MUHAMMAND ALI QUOTES OF ALL TIME

1. “We can’t be brave without fear.” – Muhammad Ali

2. “It’s lack of faith that makes people afraid of meeting challenges, and I believe in myself.” – Muhammad Ali

3. “To be a great champion you must believe you are the best. If you’re not, pretend you are.” – Muhammad Ali

4. “He who is not courageous enough to take risks will accomplish nothing in life.” – Muhammad Ali

5. “Impossible is temporary. Impossible is nothing.” – Muhammad Ali

6. “I hated ever minute of training, but I said, “Don’t quit. Suffer now and live the rest of your life as a champion.” – Muhammad Ali

7. “If my mind can conceive it, it my heart can believe it — then I can achieve it.” – Muhammad Ali

8. “It’s the repetition of affirmations that leads to belief. And once that belief becomes a deep conviction, things begin to happen.” – Muhammad Ali

9. “I’m not the greatest; I’m the double greatest. Not only do I knock ’em out, I pick the round.” – Muhammad Ali

10. “I am the greatest, I said that even before I knew I was.” – Muhammad Ali

11. “Only a man who knows what it is like to be defeated can reach down to the bottom of his soul and come up with the extra ounce of power it takes to win when the match is even.” – Muhammad Ali

12. “I should be a postage stamp. That’s the only way I’ll ever get licked.” – Muhammad Ali

13. “It’s not bragging if you can back it up.” – Muhammad Ali

14. “The fight is wont or lost far way from witnesses — behind the lines, in the gym, and out there on the road, long before I dance under those lights.” – Muhammad Ali

15. “I done wrestled with an alligator, I done tussled with a whale; handcuffed lightning, thrown thunder in jail; only last week, I murdered a rock, injured a stone, hospitalized a brick; I’m so mean I make medicine sick.” – Muhammad Ali

16. “Most people seek comfort in the moment, even if it leads to pain later…. Very few people are willing to go through PAIN in the moment for the possibility of a brighter future.” – Muhammad Ali

17. “A man who views the world the same at fifty as he did at twenty has wasted thirty years of his life.” – Muhammad Ali

18. “Age is whatever you think it is. You are as old as you think you are.” – Muhammad Ali

19. “There are no pleasures in a fight but some of my fights have been a pleasure to win.” – Muhammad Ali

20. “A man who has no imagination has no wings.” – Muhammad Ali

21. “I wanted to use my fame and this face that everyone knows so well to help uplift and inspire people around the world.” – Muhammad Ali

22. “ I am an ordinary man who worked hard to develop the talent I was given. I believe in myself, and I believe in the goodness of others.” – Muhammad Ali

23. “It isn’t the mountains ahead to climb that wear you out; it’s the pebble in your shoe.” – Muhammad Ali

24. “You don’t have to be in a boxing ring to be a great fighter. As long as you are true to yourself, you will succeed in your fight for that in which you believe.” – Muhammad Ali

25. “I’ve made my share of mistakes along the way, but if I have changed even one life for the better, I haven’t lived in vain.” – Muhammad Ali

26. “My principles are more important than the money or my title.” – Muhammad Ali

27. “I know where I’m going, and I know the truth, and I don’t have to be what you want me to be. I’m free to be what I want.” – Muhammad Ali

28. “I’m so fast that last night I turned off the light switch in my bedroom and was in bed before the room was dark.” – Muhammad Ali

29. “My only fault is that I don’t realize how great I really am.” – Muhammad Ali

30. “If your dreams don’t scare you, they aren’t big enough.” – Muhammad Ali

31. “What keeps me going is goals .” – Muhammad Ali

32. “I never thought of losing, but now that it’ s happened, the only thing is to do it right. That’s my obligation to all the people who believe in me. We all have to take defeats in life.” – Muhammad Ali

33. “Champions aren’t made in gyms. Champions are made from something they have deep inside them — a desire, a dream, a vision. They have to have the skill, and the will. But the will must be stronger than the skill.” – Muhammad Ali

34. “I am grateful for all my victories, but I am especially grateful for my losses, because they only made me work harder.” – Muhammad Ali

35. “Hating people because of their color is wrong. And it doesn’t matter which color does the hating. It’s just plain wrong.” – Muhammad Ali

36. “People run in packs because they don’t feel safe alone. I run alone because I don’t feel safe in packs.” – Muhammad Ali

37. “I’m the greatest thing that ever lived! I’m the king of the world! I’m a bad man. I’m the prettiest thing that ever lived.” – Muhammad Ali

38. “I shook up the world. Me! Whee!!” – Muhammad Ali

39. “Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee.” – Muhammad Ali

40. “The only limitations one has are the ones they place on themselves.” – Muhammad Ali

41. “It’s just a job. Grass grows, birds fly, waves pound the sand. I beat people up.” – Muhammad Ali

42. “I don’t count the sit ups. I only start counting when it starts hurting because they’re the only ones that count. That’s what makes you a champion.” – Muhammad Ali

43. “What you are thinking about, you are becoming.” – Muhammad Ali

44. “Silence is golden when you can’t think of a good answer.” – Muhammad Ali

45. “Do not live in regret.” – Muhammad Ali

46. “We all have the same God , we just serve him differently. Rivers, lakes, ponds, streams, oceans all have different names, but they all contain water. So do religions have different names, and they all contain truth, expressed in different ways, forms, and times.” – Muhammad Ali

47. “You should be constantly evolving and growing who you are from life experience and from the work you do on you.” – Muhammad Ali

48. “The real question is this, is the reward worth the risk? Whatever you really want in life is worth the risk.” – Muhammad Ali

49. “ You must believe you deserve it, work toward it until you see it, and affirm it until you become it” – Muhammad Ali

50. “Don’t count the days. Make the days count.” – Muhammad Ali

Halfway There

Congrats, you’ve made it through the first half of these quotes, but don’t stop now! You’re six rounds in and you’ve got six more to go.

Massive inspiration awaits in this next bundle of Muhammad Ali quotes. So keep to it!

Related: Motivational Rocky Quotes

51. “You don’t lose if you get knocked down; you lose if you stay down.” – Muhammad Ali

52. “To make America the greatest is my goal, so I beat the Russian and I beat the Pole. And for the USA won the medal of gold. The Greeks said you’re better than the Cassius of old.” – Muhammad Ali

53. “I am gonna show you how great I am.” – Muhammad Ali

54. “I’m young; I’m handsome’ I’m fast. I can’t possibly be beat.” – Muhammad Ali

55. “It will be a killer, and a chiller, and a thriller, when I get the gorilla in Manila.” – Muhammad Ali

56. “Inside of a ring or out, ain’t nothing wrong with going down. It’s staying down that’s wrong.” – Muhammad Ali

57. “It’s hard to be humble when you’re as great as I am.” – Muhammad Ali

58. “If they can make penicillin out of moldy bread, then they can sure make something out of you.” – Muhammad Ali

59. “Impossible is just a big word thrown around by small men who find it easier to live in the world they’ve been given than to explore the power they have to change it. Impossible is not a fact. It’s an opinion. Impossible is not a declaration. It’s a dare. Impossible is potential. Impossible is temporary. Impossible is nothing.” – Muhammad Ali

60. “The man to beat me hasn’t been born yet.” – Muhammad Ali

61. “Wisdom is knowing when you can’t be wise.” – Muhammad Ali

62. “Each time I thought I had achieved my ‘ life’s purpose ‘, I discovered it was only another step in my journey.” – Muhammad Ali

63. “The greatest victory in life is to rise above the material things that we once valued most.” – Muhammad Ali

64. “The best way to make your dreams come true is to wake up.” – Muhammad Ali

65. “ Live everyday like it was your last because some day you are going to be right.” – Muhammad Ali

66. “My way of joking is to tell the truth. That’s the funniest joke in the world.” – Muhammad Ali

67. “Life is a gamble. You can get hurt, but people die in plane crashes, lose their arms and legs in car accidents; people die every day. Same with fighters: some die, some get hurt, some go on. You just don’t let yourself believe it will happen to you.” – Muhammad Ali

68. “Women are the field that produces our nation. And if you can’t protect your women, you can’t protect your nation.” – Muhammad Ali

69. “Frazier’s got two chances. Slim, and none. And Slim just left town.” – Muhammad Ali

70. “No one starts out on top. You have to work your way up.” – Muhammad Ali

71. “I don’t trust anyone who is nice to me but rude to the waiter. Because they would treat me the same way if I were in that position.” – Muhammad Ali

72. “I would like to be remembered as a man who won the heavyweight title three times. Who was humorous and who treated everyone right. As a man who never looked down on those who looked up to him, and who helped as many people as he could. As a man who stood up for his beliefs no matter what. As a man who tried to unite all humankind through faith and love. And if all that’s too much, then I guess I’d settle for being remembered only as a great boxer who became a leader and a champion of his people. And I wouldn’t even mind if folks forgot how pretty I was.” – Muhammad Ali

73. “Service to others is the rent you pay for your room here on earth.” – Muhammad Ali

74. “Too many easy victories can ruin a fighter just as much as a long line of defeats.” – Muhammad Ali

75. “Put yourself out on a limb, like me!” – Muhammad Ali

76. “It’s funny, but those who hate me the most sometimes inspire me the most.” – Muhammad Ali

77. “I calculate that I took 20,000 punches, but I earned millions and kept a lot of it. I may talk slow, but my mind is OK.” – Muhammad Ali

78. “A rooster crows only when it sees the light. Put him in the dark and he’ll never crow. I have seen the light and I’m crowing.” – Muhammad Ali

79. “No one knows what to say in the loser’s locker room.” – Muhammad Ali

80. “Superman don’t need no seat belt.” – Muhammad Ali

81. “Truly great people in history never wanted to be great for themselves. All they wanted was the chance to do good for others and be close to God.” – Muhammad Ali

82. “You lose nothing when fighting for a cause … In my mind, the losers are those who don’t have a cause they care about.” – Muhammad Ali

83. “I said I was ‘The Greatest,’ I never said I was ‘the smartest!” – Muhammad Ali

84. “I’ve never let anyone talk me into not believing in myself.” – Muhammad Ali

85. “To be able to give away riches is mandatory if you wish to possess them. This is the only way that you will be truly rich .” – Muhammad Ali

87. “When I get out of boxing, I am going to do all I can to help people.” – Muhammad Ali

87. “His hands can’t hit what his eyes can’t see.” – Muhammad Ali

88. “I’m a fighter. I believe in the eye-for-an-eye business. I’m no cheek turner. I got no respect for a man who won’t hit back. You kill my dog, you better hide your cat.” – Muhammad Ali

89. “I don’t think that there is no heavy weight alive who couldn’t beat me, I KNOW there are none alive.” – Muhammad Ali

90. “I told you all that I was the greatest of all time.” – Muhammad Ali

91. “If you think the world was surprised when Nixon resigned, wait till I whip Foreman’s behind.” – Muhammad Ali

92. “I stayed on the ropes. When I stay on the ropes, you think I am doing bad. But I want all boxers to put this on the page of boxing, staying on the ropes is a beautiful thing with a heavy weight when you make him shoot his best shots and you know he is not hitting you.” – Muhammad Ali

93. “I don’t pay no attention to what they say about me.” – Muhammad Ali

94. “People don’t realize what they had till it’s gone. Like President Kennedy, there was no one like him, the Beatles, and my man Elvis Presley. I was the Elvis of boxing.” – Muhammad Ali

95. “Boxing is stepping stone just to introduce me to the audience.” – Muhammad Ali

96. “If you even dream of beating me, you’d better wake up and apologize.” – Muhammad Ali

97. “I am a dance and be pretty and I am just gonna win on points. If I hurt my man I am going to let him go, I am not going to kill him just because someone is watching.” – Muhammad Ali

98. “Bragging is when a person says something and can’t do it. I do what I say.” – Muhammad Ali

99. “At home I am a nice guy: but I don’t want the world to know. Humble people, I’ve found, don’t get very far.” – Muhammad Ali

100. “True success is reaching our potential without compromising our values.” – Muhammad Ali

Alright, there you have it, the best of the best Muhammad Ali quotes. We hope you enjoyed these powerful Muhammad Ali inspirational quotes, but more importantly, we hope they inspired you in some way shape or form.

If you know of someone who could use a good dose of Muhammad Ali inspired motivation, please share this page with them.

With that being said, if and when life knocks you down get back up, and whatever you do, don’t stop swinging!

PS – If you enjoyed these highly motivating Muhammad Ali quotes, then you’ll likely also enjoy these inspiring quotes from fellow champions like Tyson Fury or Khabib Nurmagomedov .

75 INSPIRATIONAL JENNIFER LOPEZ QUOTES ON SUCCESS, LIFE, AND LOVE

Jennifer Lopez is a striver from the Bronx who started from the bottom and found her way to the top. She’s an American actress, singer, and entrepreneur who broke into the industry as a dancer, and has since become one of the most successful female entertainers in the world. So, considering she’s one of the wealthiest self-made women in the world, we’ve decided to publish some of her most inspiring quotes on success and life.

Our hope is that here words will encourage and inspire others to dream big, work hard, and strive to achieve the impossible. So, if you’re ready for some inspiring Jennifer Lopez quotes, let’s get right to them:

Inspirational Jennifer Lopez Quotes on Success

1. “There’s only one me.” – Jennifer Lopez

2. “I’m incredibly impatient. I want everything now. It’s hard for me to tolerate a slow pace. I get annoyed with it. I don’t like the word “no.”” – Jennifer Lopez

3. “Have faith, dream big, think big… and know that anything is possible.” – Jennifer Lopez

4. “I just want to be great at what I do.” – Jennifer Lopez

5. “My mom always told me that if you work hard, you can achieve anything. And it’s true. It’s one of the truest things ever.” – Jennifer Lopez

6. “My business philosophy is that you just have to work harder than everybody else.” – Jennifer Lopez

7. “It’s not just that I work hard, it’s that I put harder work in than everybody else.” – Jennifer Lopez

8. “If everything went smoothly all the time we’d be very complacent and we’d stay in one place, and we’d never ever stretch ourselves or question ourselves, or want to be better people in a certain way.” – Jennifer Lopez

9. “I always noticed that even within my own industry, that ones who work harder, the ones who stay later, the ones who just are willing to do whatever it takes to get the job done, are the ones who wind up going far.” – Jennifer Lopez

10. “When everybody is sleeping, I am doing more.” – Jennifer Lopez

11. “You have to remember the value of your individuality — that you have something special and different to offer that nobody else can.” – Jennifer Lopez

12. “Doubt is a killer. You just have to know who you are and what you stand for.” – Jennifer Lopez

13. “Only you know what’s inside of you. Only you know what you can accomplish… What you’re capable of, your dreams, your desires, your wants and your ability, you only know. Nobody else knows. Whatever you feel in your heart and in your gut, you should follow that.” – Jennifer Lopez

14. “Once you have a lot of success, you become a target in many ways.” – Jennifer Lopez

15. “We’re all extraordinary, nobody is the same.” – Jennifer Lopez

16. “All of it is a mindset. It’s about being consistent. It’s about doing the right things. You just have to follow your dreams and work hard.” – Jennifer Lopez

17. “I am confident. That doesn’t mean I don’t have my moments.” – Jennifer Lopez

18. “Don’t push your weaknesses, play with your strengths.” – Jennifer Lopez

19. “Things don’t always turn out exactly the way you want them to be and you feel disappointed. You are not always going to be the winner. That’s when you have to stop and figure out why things happened the way they did and what you can do to change them.” – Jennifer Lopez

20. “There’s no way in the world that just because women turn 40 they’re anything less than amazing. That’s crazy. If anything, you’re even more amazing!” – Jennifer Lopez

21. “You really have the power to make your life whatever you want it to be.” – Jennifer Lopez

22. “There is no way you can have a big ego and survive in this business. You can’t learn if you think no one else has anything to say that’s of value.” – Jennifer Lopez

23. “I’ve learned something about kids — they don’t do what you say; they do what you do.” – Jennifer Lopez

24. “Your mistakes are not what define you. What defines you is what you do after your mistakes and how you learn what is meant to be learned from those moments.” – Jennifer Lopez

25. “Failure is not falling down and making a mistake, or choosing the wrong movie, or doing the wrong thing at the wrong time, it’s stopping. Stopping is the failure. Not continuing forward is the failure.” – Jennifer Lopez

26. “You can’t accomplish anything if you’re not in early and out the latest, which I usually am.” – Jennifer Lopez

27. “Taking risks for me, has been a big part of my journey.” – Jennifer Lopez

28. “There’s a time in all of our lives where we want to get ahead, where we have an ambition, where we want to do more, where we want to succeed further. And sometimes we hit a wall and we don’t know how to get past it. We realize at the end of it, you know hopefully you get to the point where you realize that the only person stopping you, is you.” – Jennifer Lopez

29. “I know from my own experience and my own life, and other people I work with, that you don’t have to have a degree to have value or be of tremendous worth to different businesses.” – Jennifer Lopez

30. “You gotta find your talent, and then work really really hard .” – Jennifer Lopez

Inspirational Quotes by Jennifer Lopez on Life

This next batch of Jennifer Lopez quotes consists of a variety of some of her most inspiring sayings on life, along with her wise insights and life advice.

31. “Beauty is only skin deep. I think what’s really important is finding a balance of mind, body and spirit.” – Jennifer Lopez

32. “I only do what my gut tells me to. I think it’s smart to listen to other people’s advice but at the end of the day you’re the only one who can tell you what’s right for you.” – Jennifer Lopez

33. “The truth is nobody knows what’s inside of you. Only you know what’s inside of you!” – Jennifer Lopez

34. “You get what you give. What you put into things is what you get out of them.” – Jennifer Lopez

35. “I don’t regret what I’ve been through. I’ve had ups and downs, super highs and some really low lows. I’ve been so blessed that I could never say, I wish this didn’t happen. It’s part of who I am.”  – Jennifer Lopez

36. “You only really learn in this world from the mistakes you make, from the hard times. From going through difficult periods. That’s when you grow.” – Jennifer Lopez

37. “Integrity is your own gauge of what is right for you. Integrity is not a stand-alone concept.” – Jennifer Lopez

38. “Whenever it feels uncomfortable to tell the truth, that’s often the most important time to tell it.” – Jennifer Lopez

39. “Your friend mourns your losses with you because they experience them too. The truth is, no matter how lonely you might feel, you’re never going through anything alone, you can choose your family.” – Jennifer Lopez

40. “No matter where I go I know where I came from.” – Jennifer Lopez

41. “That’s my favorite thing about being an artist in general, is that you can inspire people to dream their own biggest dreams .” – Jennifer Lopez

42. “When you have children, you realize you can’t plan anything. There’s no plan A, no plan B. Life will happen and you will go with it.” – Jennifer Lopez

43. “I don’t regret what I’ve been through. I’ve had ups and downs, super highs and some really low lows.” – Jennifer Lopez

44. “People are always like, “Oh, she reinvents herself. It’s a reinvention.” I don’t like that word,’ ‘I’m not reinventing or trying to be something different or trying to trick people into something new. It’s an evolving.'” – Jennifer Lopez

45. “In the end, the truth finds a way to surface even if you don’t want it to.” – Jennifer Lopez

46. “Being an artist doesn’t start because you’re 21, and it doesn’t end because you’re 51. You are who you are until the day you die.” – Jennifer Lopez

47. “You’ve gotta do things that make you happy. As women, we tend to give away a lot. We take care of a lot of people, and we can’t forget to take care of ourselves, if that means once a week you’re going to go off without the kids or without anybody and just go shoe shopping or get a facial even if your sister thinks that’s selfish, you’ve just got to do it.” – Jennifer Lopez

48. “We’re all human. I don’t think you should beat yourself up if you make a mistake or if you eat a potato chip.” – Jennifer Lopez

49. I had found that taking risks , being true to myself, and making decisions with good intentions can exceed even my own expectations.” – Jennifer Lopez

50. “Life is too short to live the same day twice.’ – Jennifer Lopez

Jennifer Lopez Quotes on Love and Self-Love

This next set consists of some of the most famous Jennifer Lopez quotes on love and self-love. Many of the quotes are from interviews she’s given about her relationships, and about the self-discovery she went through when writing and publishing her book ‘True Love’.

51. “I know it’s hard for women to tap into that feeling of self-worth. We need to get the message out that you are valued. You are a goddess and don’t forget that.” – Jennifer Lopez

52. “Loving yourself is ultimately about self-acceptance, about embracing every part of who you are. And that’s never just one thing.” – Jennifer Lopez

53. “Always remember, you will live, you will love, you will dance again.” – Jennifer Lopez

54. “The best partner you can have is someone who makes you want to be the best form of yourself.” – Jennifer Lopez

55. “You can have a great mentor, a great partner, a great love in your life who gives you confidence and makes you feel great about yourself. And that’s all wonderful, but at the end of the day, if you don’t believe it, all of that means nothing.” – Jennifer Lopez

56. “I think that’s what a partnership is — you take the positives from both people and incorporate them.” – Jennifer Lopez

57. “There is a love like no other. A love that requires no conditions. A love that can’t be explained or learned. It’s a love that give you a greater purpose. It’s a love that can set the rest of your world aside.” – Jennifer Lopez

58. “You have to be okay on your own before you can have a healthy relationship with another person.” – Jennifer Lopez

59. “There is a force in the world and an energy that you can put out, and when you put out love it comes back to you. I think that’s my basic philosophy.” – Jennifer Lopez

60. “Sometimes you have to explore the darkness to get to the light and get back to who you are.” – Jennifer Lopez

61. “You have to take care of yourself, your body, your mind, take care of your soul—be your own keeper.” – Jennifer Lopez

62. “Because you can’t expect to be treated great if you don’t first believe that you are great.” – Jennifer Lopez

63. “Sometimes it doesn’t work—and that’s sad. But I remain an eternal optimist about love. I believe in love.” – Jennifer Lopez

64. “I’m a hopeless romantic and passionate person when it comes to love.” – Jennifer Lopez

65. “Always follow your heart. Sometimes it’s gonna hurt — but you’re going to be fine.” – Jennifer Lopez

66. “Ultimately, we can never change someone else’s behavior — we can only change our own.” – Jennifer Lopez

67. “Reality is hard to see through the adrenaline rush of a new love. It’s easy to project your hopes and dreams onto a relationship when it’s new and exciting, but the truth is that it is only in knowing who you are at your core and staying true to yourself that you can possibly see the difference between passion and real love.” – Jennifer Lopez

68. “For me, love is the never-ending question. It is confusing. It is the answer, but it is also inundated with contradictions and complications.” – Jennifer Lopez

69. “It’s kind of a fact that we learn most not in the happiest times, but in the most difficult times in our lives.” – Jennifer Lopez

70. “You’ve got to love yourself first.” – Jennifer Lopez

71. “They are blessings in disguise, the hard times in our lives. We don’t realize it at the moment, but it is true, because they are opportunities to grow.” – Jennifer Lopez

72. “One of the biggest keys to life is having love for yourself, love inside of you, knowing that the love inside of you is enough, that you are enough.”

73. “You have to stand up and say, ‘There’s nothing wrong with me or my shape or who I am, you’re the one with the problem!’”

74. “The bear is what we all wrestle with. Everybody has their bear in life. It’s about conquering that bear and letting him go.” – Jennifer Lopez

75. “I really believe that we create our lives. Again, not just with our actions and the things we do, but the things we think and the self-talk that we give.” – Jennifer Lopez

There you have it, the most inspirational Jennifer Lopez Quotes on the web to inspire you on your journey towards finding more success and love in life.

May these quotes inspire within you the same tenacity, passion, and self-love that helped Jennifer Lopez discover the success and fulfillment she now enjoys.

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Trump’s Super Tuesday Speech: Assessing 10 False and Misleading Claims

After racking up a series of wins that cleared the field, former President Donald J. Trump moved to a general election message. Here’s a fact check.

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By Angelo Fichera

Former President Donald J. Trump moved another step closer to becoming the 2024 Republican nominee for president Tuesday, sweeping up delegates and prompting his last remaining rival, Nikki Haley, to suspend her campaign. The results all but guarantee a November rematch against President Biden .

But in his 20-minute victory remarks , which offered a grim view of the United States under his successor, Mr. Trump resorted to a string of false and misleading claims — on immigration, economics, energy and more — some of which were variations on familiar assertions.

Here’s a fact check.

WHAT WAS SAID

“They flew 325,000 migrants — flew ’em in, over the borders, into our country. So that really tells you where they’re coming from, they want open borders.”

This is misleading. Mr. Trump appeared to be referring to reports about documents obtained by a group that pushes for restricting immigration. The group reported that the documents showed some 320,000 migrants were flown into the United States in 2023 by receiving authorization by using a mobile app started by Customs and Border Protection.

But this is not a secretive effort, contrary to Mr. Trump’s characterization, and the migrants came through programs that authorize their arrival and require them to arrange for their travel on commercial flights.

The app in question, CBP One, was introduced last year to require migrants to secure an appointment at a port of entry in order to submit an asylum application. However, the app is also used to support the processing of migrants seeking to enter the United States through other programs, said Michelle Mittelstadt, a spokeswoman for the nonpartisan Migration Policy Institute.

One program is an initiative in which a certain number of migrants from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua and Venezuela can apply for “humanitarian parole,” if they have a sponsor within the United States. Another is family reunification parole , for nationals from several countries who have an approved family-based petition.

Information on the programs is publicly available and the migrants are vetted before being allowed to enter the country.

“We built 571 miles of wall.”

False. The Trump administration constructed 458 miles of border barriers — most of which reinforced or replaced existing structures. Officials put up new primary barriers along only 47 miles where no barriers previously existed.

The southern border with Mexico runs more than 1,900 miles. During Mr. Trump’s 2016 campaign he promised to build a wall spanning the border and have Mexico pay for it — which did not happen.

“Our cities are being overrun with migrant crime, and that’s Biden migrant crime. But it’s a new category of crime and it’s violent.”

This lacks evidence. While there are undoubtedly examples of unauthorized immigrants in the country committing crimes, the available data doesn’t support the notion that migrants are causing an increase in crime levels.

In New York City, the overall crime rate has remained flat despite the arrival of more than 170,000 migrants since April 2022, a recent Times analysis found , and some major categories of crimes have decreased.

Federal data also shows that violent crime declined in 2022. And a January report by the nonprofit Council on Criminal Justice found that various cities saw a decline in 2023 from the year before in homicides and other violent crimes.

Moreover, multiple analyses conducted in recent years do not show that immigrants, even those here illegally, are statistically tied to increases in crimes.

“We had no inflation.”

This is exaggerated. While the rate of inflation was indeed low under Mr. Trump, it wasn’t completely nonexistent, as Bureau of Labor Statistics data shows.

Under Mr. Trump, the rate of inflation measured by the overall Consumer Price Index largely gravitated around 2 percent — with the rate slightly lower and higher some months. That dropped at the onset of the coronavirus pandemic and inflation reached a low of 0.1 percent in May 2020, before trending upward.

Inflation reached a peak of 9.1 percent in June 2022; it has since dropped and stood at 3.1 percent in January. Among the drivers of inflation were a rise in consumer spending as the country recovered from the pandemic — with the help of government stimulus payments — and supply shortages.

“We took in much more revenues after we cut taxes.”

False. The 2017 corporate and individual tax cuts signed into law by Mr. Trump have not increased government revenue relative to what it would have been without them, contrary to suggestions the cuts paid for themselves when there was a slight bump in revenue in 2018. In fact, they have had the opposite effect.

A recent, rigorous study of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act shows the policy is adding more than $100 billion a year to the national debt. The study shows that while the tax cuts have bolstered investment in the economy, they have provided only a modest — albeit, less than predicted — pay bump for workers, as The Times has reported .

“There is no evidence that the tax cuts have paid for themselves or even close,” said Marc Goldwein, senior vice president and senior policy director for the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget.

“We got the largest tax cuts in history.”

False. Mr. Trump has used this refrain since his first year in the White House — and in his final speech as president. The fact is, the 2017 tax cuts ranked below several others , including the 1981 Reagan tax cut, which was the largest as a percentage of the economy.

“Three years ago, we were at a level — we were energy independent, we were going to be very shortly energy dominant and today we’re getting oil from Venezuela.”

This is misleading. The United States became a net exporter of petroleum in 2020, the first time in at least seven decades, and that remained the case in 2022 under Mr. Biden. The country also remains a net exporter of natural gas .

Under Mr. Biden, energy production — including oil and gas — has boomed , despite Mr. Trump’s descriptions.

Still, the country does continue to import millions of barrels of crude oil and other petroleum products a day — as it did under Mr. Trump — which the term “energy independence” does not convey.

Covid “started in the Wuhan labs, just as I said.”

This needs context. The origin of the coronavirus remains a subject of fierce scientific and political debate, though it is the case that some federal agencies believe the virus escaped from the Wuhan Institute of Virology. Other experts and agencies have concluded that the virus most likely emerged through natural transmission.

“For 18 months, we lost nobody in Afghanistan.”

This is misleading. Mr. Trump did not alone oversee an 18-month stretch with no casualties in Afghanistan. Instead, the time period in question refers specifically to combat casualties and occurred under both Mr. Trump and Mr. Biden.

In early February 2020, under Mr. Trump, there were two combat deaths recorded — and none reported again until late August 2021, when an attack killed 13 U.S. troops amid Mr. Biden’s withdrawal from Afghanistan.

During Mr. Trump’s presidency, there were 45 combat deaths among U.S. service members reported in Afghanistan, as well as 18 “nonhostile” deaths, according to the Defense Casualty Analysis System .

“We left $85 billion worth of brand-new, beautiful equipment behind” in Afghanistan.

False. As Mr. Trump is again referring to the total amount that the spent on security in Afghanistan over the course of 20 years — not the value of equipment left behind when the United States withdrew in 2021.

The United States provided $88.6 billion for security in Afghanistan from October 2001 to July 2021, and disbursed about $75 billion, according to Pentagon figures . That figure includes the amount spent on training, antidrug trafficking efforts and infrastructure, as well as $18 billion for equipment.

CNN has previously reported that about $7 billion worth of military equipment that the United States transferred to the Afghan government was left behind during the withdrawal, citing a Defense Department report submitted to Congress.

Curious about the accuracy of a claim? Email [email protected].

Our Coverage of the 2024 Presidential Election

News and Analysis

An antiwar campaign has been urging Democratic voters to cast “uncommitted” ballots in protest of President Biden’s policy toward Israel’s war in Gaza. Washington State’s primary election is the next testing ground for the strategy .

A Republican group dedicated to opposing former President Donald Trump is planning to spend $50 million  to stop him through a series of testimonial videos of voters who backed him in past elections but say they can no longer support him in 2024.

Biden released his $7.3 trillion budget for the next fiscal year , which stands almost no chance of becoming law but will serve as a draft of his policy platform  as he seeks re-election.

The Biden-Trump Rerun: Americans love a candidate who promises something new. But the contest between Biden and Trump is the rare election without a major party candidate who can be presented as a fresh face .

Trump’s Quiet Weaknesses: The former president easily defeated his Republican primary rivals. But his overwhelming victories have masked his long-term problems with suburban voters, moderates and independents .

Two Speeches:  Biden’s State of the Union address and Trump’s victory speech on Super Tuesday conjured diametrically opposed visions of America’s past, present and future .

Where Haley Won:  Nate Cohn, our chief political analyst, looks at the affluent and highly educated Republicans  who voted for Nikki Haley and could vote for Biden in the general election.